Meaning & use
hostile architecture
Last updated
UK/ˈhɒstaɪl ˈɑːkɪtektʃə/
US/ˈhɑːstəl ˈɑːrkɪtektʃɚ/
Usage warning: this word is disapproving. It shows a negative opinion, so take care with who and what you use it about.
Meaning
noununcountable
Urban design features, such as spikes or sloped benches, that make public spaces uncomfortable so people cannot rest or gather there.
Grammar: Used without a: hostile architecture is common downtown.
Patterns
- examples of hostile architecture
The metal bars on the bench are a typical piece of hostile architecture.
Critics say hostile architecture pushes homeless people out of sight rather than helping them.
Common combinations
- examples of hostile architecture
- Armrests in the middle of benches are examples of hostile architecture.
- criticize hostile architecture
- Residents began to criticize hostile architecture in the park.
- hostile architecture against the homeless
- The council banned hostile architecture against the homeless.
- anti-homeless spikes
- Anti-homeless spikes are one form of hostile architecture.
Synonyms and how they differ
- defensive design
- Sounds more neutral and can include security features that are not aimed at people.
- unpleasant design
- Is a looser description that does not suggest a deliberate aim.
Opposites
inclusive design
Word family
- hostile adjective
- unfriendly or opposed
- architecture noun
- the design of buildings and spaces
Practice
Which is the clearest example of hostile architecture?
Choose one answer.
Dividers that stop people lying down make a space deliberately uncomfortable. The other options serve users.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “hostile architecture”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
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