Hostile architecture is an increasingly debated topic among architects, urban planners and sociologists as it raises questions about how urban design impacts coexistence in cities. It is a strategy that seeks to push people away in certain areas of the city, rather than welcome them. (Frankie Fouganthin/Wikimedia/Divulgação)
What is hostile architecture
Hostile architecture, also known as “defensive architecture” or “exclusionary architecture,” manifests through common elements in urban projects — such as benches divided by bars, slanted surfaces, metal spikes, or lack of shade in resting areas — that hinder access and discourage prolonged resting. (Cory Doctorow/Wikimedia/Divulgação)
These elements are not just aesthetic but reveal an intent to organize space, influencing behavior and the flow of people. This topic prompts reflections on the role of design in urban life: to what extent do architectural decisions shape social relations and access to the city? Impacts of hostile architecture
(B137/Wikimedia/Divulgação)
More than physical aspects, hostile architecture touches on a symbolic dimension: who can occupy public space and how. These decisions interfere with the city experience and the sense of belonging, influencing how people interact with their surroundings. (Trougnouf (Benoit Brummer)/Wikimedia/Divulgação)
Experts like architect Jan Gehl, author of Cities for People, advocate that urban design should prioritize the human scale, where streets, squares, and sidewalks invite permanence and coexistence. In this sense, the concept of affective urbanism emerges as a counterpoint — promoting projects that evoke emotional connection, comfort, and well-being, such as community gardens, collaborative furniture, or shared resting areas. (Paydah/Wikimedia/Divulgação)
David Harvey reinforces this criticism, stating that the “right to the city” is the most neglected of human rights. By preventing the democratic use of space, hostile architecture undermines the essence of urban life: diversity, encounters, and coexistence among different cultures and social realities. Paths to more welcoming cities
In the face of hostile architecture, movements of resistance known as counter-architecture have emerged. These are spontaneous, collective, and creative actions that seek to reverse or denounce exclusionary practices. (Frankie Fouganthin/Wikimedia/Divulgação)
Cities like Lisbon, Barcelona, and Medellín have stood out for investing in urban requalification projects based on social urbanism. In Brazil, isolated experiences in squares in Belo Horizonte and Recife also show it is possible to build more humane spaces, with wide benches, shelters, and green areas that invite encounters. (Sari/Wikimedia/Divulgação)
Additionally, the Law No. 14,489/2022, known as Father Júlio Lancellotti Law, prohibits the use of hostile architecture elements in public spaces, reinforcing the importance of urbanism focused on comfort and accessibility. (Padre Júlio Lancellotti/Divulgação)
These experiences demonstrate that thinking about urban space goes beyond aesthetics: it is about creating places of permanence and belonging, where design serves as an instrument of empathy and collective well-being. (Valereee/Wikimedia/Divulgação)
CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho. 
