Why are there anti homeless spikes?

A hostile takeover The term ‘hostile architecture’ is often associated with anti-homeless spikes embedded in flat surfaces, underneath bridges or in foyers or sheltered areas of buildings, to make sleeping uncomfortable and inaccessible for rough sleepers.

How does hostile architecture affect homeless people?

Hostile architecture is most commonly used to deter people experiencing homelessness from being around certain areas, but it also often affects disabled people, as well. Standing benches, spikes in alcoves, fenced off underpasses, all to stop homeless people from getting comfortable.

How long has hostile architecture been around?

Cities are hard places. The origin of the term is unknown, but hostile architecture has always been part of urban life. In 19th-century England, anti-urination devices—conical mounds of stone filling out the corners of buildings—prevented people from relieving themselves.

Does hostile architecture prevent crime?

Hostile design Like all good ideas, designing to prevent crime can, in some cases, cause harm. Failure to assess crime risks before implementing solutions can result in poor outcomes that don’t deal with the local issues, which can make these worse and waste resources.

What are some examples of anti homeless architecture?

Anti-homeless architecture, or “hostile architecture” is a type of urban design that is meant to prevent people from using public spaces in “undesirable” ways. It uses features like curved benches, spikes or bolts on windowsills, and even plants to discourage loitering, littering, and sleeping [ 1 ].

Why do we need to get rid of the homeless spikes?

We’re all aware that an artistic scene that gains any sort of appeal or traction is eventually leeched on, Death-Eater-like, by “property developers”. We saw these spikes as a direct assault on everything that makes us human. Anyone, for any reason, could end up on the streets with no home, no friends, no support.

Why do people want to stop homeless people sleeping in public?

The urban landscape has turned into a victim-blaming battleground for the haves and the have-nots. A group of activists set out to undermine anti-homeless spikes, which prevent people sleeping in public and private spaces. So we decided to do something to neutralise it.

Is it your fault for being a homeless person?

It’s your fault for being homeless. The urban landscape has turned into a victim-blaming battleground for the haves and the have-nots. A group of activists set out to undermine anti-homeless spikes, which prevent people sleeping in public and private spaces. So we decided to do something to neutralise it.