/r/HostileArchitecture
Hostile architecture is the deliberate design or alteration of spaces generally considered public, so that it is less useful or comfortable in some way or for some people, generally the homeless or youth.
Also known as defensive architecture, hostile design, unpleasant design, exclusionary design, or defensive urban design.
Hostile architecture is the deliberate design or alteration of spaces generally considered public, so that it is less useful or comfortable in some way or for some people.
The classic example is a bench with armrests added to it later, to stop homeless people from sleeping on it. Another is obstacles added to a railing or curb to stop skateboarders from using it "incorrectly".
Please note that "I think this is a good idea actually" doesn't mean it's not hostile architecture, if it reasonably fits the definition above.
More information is available on Wikipedia
Rules
1) Scope of the subreddit
Submissions must show hostile intent, and not poor design. If it doesn’t directly inconvenience people, it is a better fit for /r/crappyarchitecture.
On some occasions, hostile architecture could be accidental, but have the same result. If it's interesting, it's allowed.
2) Treat all participants with respect
Please be civil in comments and posts, and treat all participants with respect. No low-quality anti-homeless sentiment, e.g. "hurr durr hobo bad," please. Thoughtful discussion on the issue of homelessness and hostile architecture in relation to homelessness is permitted and welcomed, but disrespectful comments towards people experiencing homelessness is not allowed.
3) No advocating for destruction of property
No posts or comments advocating destruction of property, vandalism, or other illegal activity.
4) Flair your post
Please assign the flair that best fits the subject of your post.
5) No anti-homeless sentiment
Homeless people are valid users of public spaces, so they can be the subject of hostile architecture. If generic complaints or insults about the homeless are all you have to contribute, you will be escorted off the property. If you have specific information regarding a post, respectful discussion is welcome.
/r/HostileArchitecture
146,544 Subscribers
the shadows look pretty
the shape of this bench forces you to sit very close if you're sitting with a friend. it was a bit awkward.
09:34 UTC
Excessive Hostile Design gets bypassed.
01:23 UTC
The real reason Barnes and Noble removed the chairs
According to the Daily Dot, people were urinating and defecating in them!
And those stores have such nice rest rooms.
22:50 UTC
Bench at a bus shelter in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
17:52 UTC
Slightly hostile in Osaka
05:58 UTC
Rating severity of hostile architecture
Hi all, I’m doing a mapping in Sydney city of hostile architecture. I was wondering what everyone’s opinions are on what they classify as most to least hostile in the range of types of hostile architecture (I’m mapping it on a scale of passive to hostile).
For some more info, from what I’ve done so far and the area I’m mapping, most examples include fencing off certain public areas, park benches with badly placed dividers, mesh / uncomfortable flooring, small, far apart seating etc.
I’m also mapping some more contentious things like anti skateboard bumps and CCTV and some passive surveillance, which I know is not technically this subreddit, and I’m also mapping hostile architecture for wildlife e.g pigeon spikes and netting, rat traps etc. (If anyone has more examples of hostile architecture for animals I would appreciate it it’s hard to find stuff).
Nevertheless, I would love to hear everyone’s opinions on this.
Thank you!
01:32 UTC
Does hostile architecture make public transport worse?
When you're stuck waiting for a bus and the best you have is a "perch", not a seat. Or the leaning bars on some London Underground sometimes which are uncomfortable at best and prevent travelling at worst. It feels like they end up being hostile to everyone to the point of making travelling seem humiliating and uncomfortable.
00:46 UTC
The floor was flat until homeless people slept there years ago
22:11 UTC
I hate this. What’s even the point? May as well just have a couple step stools.
15:14 UTC
Park Bench in Tokyo Japan
22:16 UTC
I respect the dedication
13:45 UTC
Sigh...
20:00 UTC
Hostile architecture in my minecraft world
17:47 UTC
Seating should not be free in a capitalist society
08:14 UTC
no sitting at all in this location
18:13 UTC
Schiphol airport
This speaks volumes.
16:49 UTC
Well its everywhere now
Last week this wasnt here. Public transit station in a smaller regional slovak city Zvolen
14:52 UTC
Hostile mug inspired by hostile architecture. Resin 3D printed, electroplated in copper. Simulation done in SideFX Houdini.
19:55 UTC
Found this public bench. People were sitting on, this is why I knew this was a bench
06:44 UTC
Denver Airport West Plaza
22:03 UTC
Great, now he's homeless AND uncomfortable.
23:05 UTC
Hostile Architecture In NYC - Infographic for class
03:36 UTC
Indoor anti-cat spikes
07:41 UTC
Seating perched just outside rain cover
05:01 UTC
Question about How much New York city spends on hostile architecture on average in total
Hello, so I was wondering: How much on average does New York City spend on hostile architecture? I can't find any sources that mention how much they spend on all hostile architecture. The closest thing I found was that $70 million was spent on slanted benches, but that doesn't answer how much is spent in total. If you can, please provide the source where you found it too. Thanks!
23:01 UTC
You'll wet your pants either way
16:01 UTC
LIRR platform shelters that protect from wind and rain unless you're lying down
20:58 UTC