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Homelessness

E. Abbott, S. Beira, A. Patel, and R. Williams

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Anti-Homeless Architecture and Policies

What does anti-homeless architecture look like?

“Anti-homeless architecture,” “hostile architecture,” and “defensive design” refer to specific structures meant to keep people within the houseless community from occupying those spaces (McFadden, 2020). These structures seem harmless or like odd design choices to those not in the houseless community. The most common forms of hostile architecture are benches with distinct segments or arm rests, floor spikes, or spiked/raised grate covers (Paulas, 2019). These structures make it harder for people without homes to sleep or keep warm when it is cold. Hostile architecture can be obvious, like in the pictures below, or in some cases can be disguised as just pretty statues or displays.

Anti-homeless spike installation (McFaddenm 2020)

Anti-homeless spike installation (McFaddenm 2020)

What is the impact of these structures?

The supposed purpose behind anti-homeless architecture is to prevent or inhibit crime and maintain public order (Fraieli, 2019).  This sentiment alone carries significant implications.  The notion that hostile architecture is intended to prevent crime conveys to unhoused folks that their very existence is a crime that they will be punished for.  By prioritizing the aesthetic of the city and comfort of wealthier people, this relegates unhoused individuals to bottom-tier citizenship.  The implementation of hostile architecture also clearly delineates who exactly is allowed to utilize public spaces, which creates a dichotomy of the “deserving public” and the “undeserving public,” with unhoused folks being placed in the latter category (Bocchialini, 2019).  Hostile architecture tells folks sleeping rough that they’re undeserving of bare minimum provisions, such as a stable, dry place to rest. 

As we can see, there are countless psychological effects that result from the usage of hostile architecture; however, there are also countless physical effects as well.  The most notable physical effect is long-term sleep deprivation.  It should be noted that long-term sleep deprivation is considered a form of torture by many human rights organizations.  The rippling effects of sleep deprivation continue to take a toll on the unhoused community—including causing further psychological damage.  Even if people are able to sleep on top of these hostile architecture structures, they are likely to suffer harm to their body, which would be exacerbated over time.  This highlights  the countless harmful effects of anti-homeless architecture as it takes a toll on the mental and physical health of unhoused folks.

Current anti-homeless policies in Gainesville

Man asking drivers for money on SW 13th Street near Archer Road (Henderson 2021, photo by Brad McClenny)

Man asking drivers for money on SW 13th Street near Archer Road (Henderson 2021, photo by Brad McClenny)

Gainesville officials are now defending a law that can fine individuals who sit and stand at traffic medians. This defense comes under the notion that city officials are trying to keep the streets safe. The ordinance would allow police to to impose a $50 fine on anyone who sits in a median of 6 feet or less wide. This does include many of the city’s intersections, but the law would “not prohibit panhandling anywhere else on city property” (Henderson, 2021).  The fine doubles on the second offence and a court date becomes mandatory after the third. Officials say this ordinance was proposed only with the safety of Gainesville’s citizens in mind, as some panhandlers who sit in those spots have suffered injuries, and others, death. However, this ordinance can disenfranchise many local individuals experiencing homelessness who have been frequent sitters in medians of busy streets.

anti-homeless policies and actions to take

There is a gap between what has been codified into law and what is practiced regarding the unhoused community in many cities. In New York City, for example,  “devices that inhibit seating” have been banned, along with other hostile architecture that could deter the public from enjoying public spaces (Hu, 2019). However, there has been evidence of numerous violations of city requirements for public spaces, even those owned privately. Policy may not be able to protect public amenities from being modified in a hostile way, but it is still an important aspect of the fight to make public spaces welcoming to all.

Local governments maintain the power to edit and govern public spaces as they see fit. In Gainesville, City Commissioner Harvey Ward is an important figure who residents can reach out to and express their discomfort over anti-homelessness laws and policies in Gainesville. It is important to stay up-to-date and informed about the actions of local city commissioners and city planners to combat future installation of anti-homeless architecture.

 The Gainesville City Commissioner can be reached here.

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