H
ostile architecture, sometimes referred to as defensive or antihomeless design, is a term coined to describe objects of the built environment that have been manipulated to prevent certain behaviors. Armrests that section off a bench so that someone cannot lie down. Metal bolts on a concrete ledge to deter skateboarders from practicing trick moves. Spikes around a public fountain to prevent loitering or panhandling. When exactly this practice began to be implemented is unclear, but the idea of using certain aspects of the built environment to influence behavior originated with the defensible space theory. It was developed by architect Oscar Newman and formally published in his 1972 book “Defensible Space.” This concept influenced the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) design philosophy intended to create safer neighborhoods and prevent crime. But in some instances across the country, locals have protested that such practices are inhumanely targeting vulnerable communities. Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, director of the Master of Urban Design program in University Miami’s School of Architecture, said that public spaces should be welcoming to everyone. “The streets and squares of our city are the one place we can all meet, no matter where we’re from or how much money we have or what color we are,” she said. “So public spaces in a city are a very
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important place to not be hostile, but to be welcoming. But also to keep people safe.” Plater-Zyberk recognized that there is a fine line between what is considered preventative for safety reasons versus downright hostile. “There is that whole arena of protection. How do you make people safe in a building without giving some sense of defensiveness beyond what the needs of daily use are?” she said. “This is a very interesting topic now because of the social justice conversation going on. It’s really bringing attention to whether places are welcoming or not. Maybe not outright hostile, but sending a signal of some kind of unwelcome difference.” The groups most influenced by this practice tend to be those who use public spaces more than others—namely, the homeless. Jennifer Lamy, a third-year graduate student in UM’s architecture program, said the topic is rarely talked about in class, but is something she has explored on her own time. “I understand it might seem unsafe or you don’t want them here, but still, it’s one of those things. Where else would they go? If you’re not going be the one helping them find a way, then at least for now let them be there. Especially when it comes to nighttime.” According to a January 2020 census conducted by the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust, the homeless population in Miami-Dade county is 3,560. Of those, 1,020 are considered “unsheltered.” Christopher Salomon, a
