How ‘Hostile Design’ Creates Unwelcoming Spaces

In an article for Canadian Architect, Pamela Young highlights the work of Cara Chellew, a researcher who documents “hostile design,” defined as “urban interventions that restrict behaviour, defending spaces against unwanted occupation by skateboarders and unhoused people.”

Based on the work of British artist Stuart Semple, the concept of “hostile design,” also known as defensive urbanism, calls attention to the elements of urban design that aim to make ostensibly public space unwelcoming to certain populations. Chellew’s research maps defensive urbanism examples in Toronto. In addition to physical elements that aim to repel “loiterers,” Chellew also includes “ghost amenities” that no longer exist: “Permanently out-of-service drinking fountains, locked or non-existent park washrooms, and ‘shade structures’ that filter sunlight but let rain flood through all have an impact on how shared outdoor space can be used—and who uses it.”

Researchers like Chellew and Nadia Galati, a principal at PROCESS, argue that designing cities for the most vulnerable groups creates more accessible and pleasant public spaces for everyone. Galati recommends implementing a paid community engagement process for new parks and public space projects, whereby residents are paid for their participation in order to attract more input from underrepresented groups.