THE
ISSUE
THE UGLY SIDE
OF URBAN DESIGN
The use of hostile design in an urban landscape does provide necessary benefits, ensuring safety for the public and maintaining an efficient flow of direction and purpose for all. Bollards blocking public footpaths and streets, fenced areas, and railings to name a few all serve the public in a positive manner, however, there are numerous design inclusions within a town or city that manipulate who can use a space, how long that space is used for, and how the space itself can be used.
The term 'hostile design' usually refers to a space or product set within the urban environment which has been designed with the points made above in mind, and often added to a space following its installation.
Retro-fitted armrests, studs, spikes, slanted seats, and pieces of furniture with numerous holes incorporated are all examples of hostile design, all designed to ensure that nobody is able to loiter in accordance to the ideal governed by private companies, landscapers, or town planners.
An interesting example of the ugly side of hostile design is the case of Activists vs Tesco in 2014, whereby 1 inch studs were installed along any exposed ledges and doorways by the supermarket giant to discourage any unwanted loitering. This impacted everyone who wished to take temporary rest on the ledge throughout the day, ensuring that comfort was the least important priority, and actually discouraged rough sleepers furthermore at night.
To tackle this cruel method of deterrent, a number of activists poured concrete over the studs to bring this issue into focus of the wider public, thus forcing Tesco to apologise, explain, and ultimately remove the studs through pressure at the risk of losing some of its reputation, which subsequently, it did.
SEATING IN
LEEDS
Examples of urban furnishing's are found within Leeds' city centre whereby a hostile element is present.
The first example is a circular bench (above) which possesses gaps and armrests. The gaps provide a space for cold air to move through to make the user cold and thus ensure that they are on their way after a short period of time.
The second example (left) features ornately designed dogs as armrests. The bench itself is solid with a flat surface, however the inclusion of these armrests prevents any member of the public from laying down. A notable point with this example in particular is the design aesthetic applied to these armrests; the reasoning for their inclusion masks the ultimate reason for their introduction.