/r/HostileArchitecture

Photograph via snooOG

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

151,925 Subscribers

301

Spotted in Heidelberg, Germany

15 Comments
2025/01/28
09:56 UTC

9

Although not "hostile" in the sense of control, I thought this is an extremely important video in "enabling" specific groups within an area. A product of "treating the symptom, not the cause."

5 Comments
2025/01/26
10:46 UTC

6

MTA's new subway spikes fail to deter turnstile jumpers at NYC station

1 Comment
2025/01/22
04:27 UTC

30

7ft bench w/ only room for two at a park near my house

1 Comment
2025/01/21
23:49 UTC

15

Charleston, South Carolina

2 Comments
2025/01/16
22:36 UTC

43

Bench Outside of Dallas Lovefield Airport

5 Comments
2025/01/16
20:04 UTC

5,021

Punishing the homeless

... except they have to punish everyone else to do so🥴

87 Comments
2025/01/15
23:57 UTC

19

Nice mix of inclusive and hostile 👌

13 Comments
2025/01/14
21:31 UTC

395

Better get your tetanus shot before sitting down.

38 Comments
2025/01/09
09:43 UTC

40

Munich

18 Comments
2025/01/08
02:06 UTC

224

One idea suggested by the Department of Energy is to use hostile architecture in order to prevent future civilization from meddling with buried nuclear waste.

28 Comments
2025/01/05
08:47 UTC

37

No sitting, waiting, staring. Seen in Germany

2 Comments
2024/12/31
00:02 UTC

2,440

It all started in Egypt.

11 Comments
2024/12/27
03:39 UTC

11

Razor wire coils

Not sure where to post this, but I'm kind of distraught so please forgive me or feel free to suggest a more appropriate sub!

Last night I came across a seagull trapped in razor wire coils on top of a fence in an industrial part of my town, still very much alive. Long story short, my partner and I got the guy down and removed the wire from him, then brought him to a wildlife rescue near me. Sadly he didn't make it, and the person who met me at the rescue place said it was likely he had been hanging there for a while before we spotted him.

I have seen barn owls and all kinds of other wildlife along the river there, and the idea of them getting stuck in that stupid fence makes me really upset. I've called the City already and they'll be looking into it when the inspectors get back from holidays, but that could be a while and they may not have to remove it at the end of the day. Any ideas what can be done to make this situation more safe for the animals that live here?

5 Comments
2024/12/26
21:04 UTC

25

HOSTILE CHILE

4 Comments
2024/12/23
16:05 UTC

495

The chair in this bus

37 Comments
2024/12/23
13:25 UTC

39

Hostile Architecture is for the birds, even if it’s against the birds…

This place was originally designed to completely repel pigeons. Nobody told the birds that. Plus, why would the crew who gets paid to pressure wash the roof, want the spikes replaced?

5 Comments
2024/12/13
18:03 UTC

20

These spikes so you do not sit on the water valve.

9 Comments
2024/12/10
00:37 UTC

446

Hostile architecture in Hamburg Barmbek

17 Comments
2024/12/06
15:47 UTC

5

Personal Experience with Hostile Architecture

Has anybody had any personal experience with hostile architecture and whether it affects them directly, either as a unhoused person or not!

3 Comments
2024/12/01
02:30 UTC

25

Hostile Beds

New hostile beds available. Endorsed by your local government.

1 Comment
2024/11/26
23:53 UTC

345

Anti-Cat Spikes

23 Comments
2024/11/25
20:44 UTC

11

Homeless inclusive architecture?

3 Comments
2024/11/25
10:35 UTC

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