Hostile Architecture: The Disguise of Anti-Homeless Measures as Disabled Accommodation

In recent discussions on urban design, a controversial image has surfaced, highlighting a green bench that appears to be a prime example of hostile architecture. The image showcases a bench divided into three sections, each with individual backrests. However, the middle section conspicuously lacks a seat, leaving a gap that renders it unusable for sitting. A blue sign featuring a white wheelchair icon is attached to this middle section, suggesting that it is designed for accessibility.

The top text of the image boldly states:

```

this is not pro-disabled.

this is anti-homeless architecture disguised

as disabled accommodation.

do not be fooled.

```

The accompanying social media post by user "ratchel" (@girlmeat5557) reads:

```

not to be "that guy" but wheelchair users

are not starved for places to sit down

```

This post aligns with the growing sentiment that such designs are not genuinely intended to assist the disabled but rather to deter homeless individuals from using public spaces. Comments on this image reflect widespread criticism of these measures:

1. "Prime example of hostile architecture."

2. "People will do anything to stop seeing the homeless except house them."

3. "In the future, our society will be remembered for how ugly we were to others."

4. "This actually makes it harder for the disabled to stop because they would have to back their wheelchair in, whereas they can actually just roll forwards to the ends of the benches, so this is actually anti-disabled as well."

A user from Alaska shared their experience:

```

I live in the largest city of Alaska. Maybe a decade or more back the city passed a law against sleeping on the streets (effectively the wording of the law made it a crime to sleep in many outdoor places in the city where homeless people are forced to live). The shelters here are all constantly filled beyond capacity (and many homeless die each winter due to exposure to the elements) so there are tons who would be victimized by this law.

```

Other comments highlight the broader implications of such designs:

- "Making stuff harder for the homeless to use also makes it harder for others to use!"

- "Something I noticed in Europe is that the subway seats are designed so that they are impossible to sleep on."

- "Hostile architecture needs to be declared illegal and any person in a position of authority who brings it up or chooses to enforce it as something that needs to be done, needs to be immediately removed from their position and be thrown in prison for at least three decades at minimum."

The image and its associated comments spark a critical conversation about the ethics and effectiveness of hostile architecture. As urban areas continue to grapple with homelessness, designs like these benches serve as a stark reminder of the lengths some will go to address this issue—often at the expense of the most vulnerable members of society.