Hostile Architecture

Pronunciation: /ˈhɑstl ˈɑrkɪˌtɛkʧər/

Definitions of hostile architecture

noun a type of urban design that aims to prevent people from lingering or resting in public spaces

Example Sentences

A1 Hostile architecture is designed to prevent people from sitting or sleeping in public spaces.

A2 Some cities use hostile architecture to discourage loitering and vandalism in certain areas.

B1 The installation of spikes on ledges is an example of hostile architecture used to deter homeless individuals from resting in public places.

B2 Hostile architecture can be seen in the form of armrests on benches to prevent people from lying down.

C1 The use of hostile architecture raises ethical questions about how public spaces should be designed to accommodate all members of society.

C2 Critics argue that hostile architecture perpetuates inequality by excluding certain groups from public spaces.

adjective referring to the design or implementation of hostile architecture

Example Sentences

A1 Some benches in the park are uncomfortable due to hostile architecture.

A2 The design of the bus stop includes hostile architecture to prevent loitering.

B1 The city's use of hostile architecture has sparked controversy among residents.

B2 Certain public spaces have been criticized for their use of hostile architecture to deter homeless individuals.

C1 The implementation of hostile architecture in urban planning reflects a broader societal issue of exclusion and segregation.

C2 Architects and urban planners must consider the ethical implications of incorporating hostile architecture into public spaces.

Examples of hostile architecture in a Sentence

formal The city council implemented hostile architecture to prevent homeless individuals from sleeping on public benches.

informal They put in those weird benches with armrests to keep people from lying down, it's like they're using hostile architecture.

slang The new park design is so anti-homeless, they're really going all out with the hostile architecture.

figurative The spikes on the windowsills were like a form of hostile architecture, keeping any unwanted visitors away.

Grammatical Forms of hostile architecture

• past tense: hostile architecture
• plural: hostile architectures
• comparative: more hostile architecture
• superlative: most hostile architecture
• present tense: hostile architecture
• future tense: will be hostile architecture
• perfect tense: has been hostile architecture
• continuous tense: is being hostile architecture
• singular: hostile architecture
• positive degree: hostile architecture
• infinitive: to be hostile architecture
• gerund: hostile architecturing
• participle: hostile architectured

Origin and Evolution of hostile architecture

First Known Use: 1970 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The term 'hostile architecture' originated in the field of urban design and architecture to describe elements intentionally designed to discourage certain behaviors or groups of people in public spaces.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to refer to architectural features like spikes on ledges to prevent sitting or sleeping, the term has evolved to encompass a broader range of design elements that deter certain activities or populations, such as benches with dividers to prevent lying down or shelters with uncomfortable seating to discourage loitering.