I have previous discussed when well-intentioned designs aimed at aiding those who live in poverty miss the mark and end up hindering them instead. But what about the designs that deliberately exist with the sole intention of dehumanising those who require our help?
‘Hostile’ or ‘defensive design’ hides in plain sight- if you weren’t intentionally looking for it, you’d likely never even be aware of it, and even then, it isn't always obvious. But it’s become an increasingly common design tactic used to change how we use our public spaces. Benches with armrests across them or with seats that slope down at an angle exist to be uncomfortable and impossible to lie down on. Spikes in enclaves and doorways outwardly tell people that they’re not allowed to sit or lie in this space. Notches on bollards prevent skateboarders from grinding on them and ultrasonic speakers stop teenagers from loitering outside of shops. Effectively, these designs have been put in place to prevent people deemed ‘undesirable’ from hanging around public spaces, with an especially big emphasis on the homeless population. Many of these design features exist to prevent rough sleepers to have somewhere at least semi-comfortable to rest for the night, hence why the infamous retractable steel spikes have been dubbed ‘anti-homeless spikes'. A similar method is used on window ledges and signposts to prevent pigeons from roosting on top of them – what does that say about our attitude towards the homeless?
Not only do these designs hinder the homeless, but also those with disabilities. Many train stations, subway stations and bus stops have stripped away old benches and replaced them with ‘leaning bars’. Deliberately designed to prevent sitting down or loitering for long periods, those with disablities who get tired and sore when travelling are now unable to stop and rest for a while.
These designs aren’t just hostile, they’re designs against humanity that send the clear signal that certain people in society are unwanted and shouldn’t be allowed to even enter into public spaces. Large amounts of money will go towards local authorities and city planners to allow these designs to exist, money that would be better used to help those in need. Design that intentionally discriminates against an already marginalized population is the laziest way to address the issues surrounding poverty and homelessness, and design that discriminates against one group of people, discriminates against everyone. An uncomfortable bench will hurt your back, spikes under an awning will force you out into a rain storm, and a city filled with brutal, cold designs will create an unappealing public space that no one is able to enjoy. There are many ways in which design can be used to enhance living for all of us, and that cannot be achieved by marginalising some of us.
Morven
Sites and references:
https://www.texasobserver.org/how-hostile-design-hides-plain-sight-austin/
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