The public space is, as the word indicates, meant to be available for everyone. Yet, the public space is filled with urban architecture that exclude people from using the public furniture. In the streets, in parks, train stations and bus shelters, we find segmented and curved benches, metal spikes, high pitch sounds and gated communities. This kind of design is classified as hostile architecture, and it aims to exclude unwanted groups of people from the public space. This kind of design strategy is a powerful guide to behavior. Both directly and in its symbolism. Directly, the furniture is designed to make it uncomfortable for the body to use it. Symbolically, it signals that the public space is restrictive, and only available for a limited duration. It signifies an anti-democratic public space even in cities that rule under democracy. In this project we want to investigate how hostile architecture affect the humanity in our habitat, the social hierarchy and the visuality of the public space. We are exploring what role design and architecture plays in our habitat through a study in the materials of urban architecture and how they interact with human activity.
Hostile Architecture
Red 11d /
IMAGE: Hostile Architecture - Ethan
IMAGE: Effects on Rough Sleepers - Ethan
IMAGE: 'soft body in a hard place' - Maya
IMAGE: 'even the birds aren't allowed in the trees' - Maya
IMAGE: Designing the 'Anti-Hostile' - Calum
IMAGE: Designing the 'Anti-Hostile' - Calum
IMAGE: Knitted Concrete - Elysia
IMAGE: Woven Concrete - Elysia
IMAGE: Sleeping on a Bench - Elysia
IMAGE: Hostile Fashion - Wendy