The rise of hostile architecture

By Katy Wong, CNN

Updated 9:23 PM ET, Wed February 14, 2018

Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds.

Photos:The rise of hostile architecture

London, United Kingdom – Hostile architecture is a form of urban design that aims to prevent people from lingering in public spaces. The anti-homeless spikes here, for example, were installed to deter beggars and those sleeping rough.

Hide Caption

1 of 17

Photos:The rise of hostile architecture

Washington DC, United States – The armrests on this bench also prevent people from sleeping on it.

Hide Caption

2 of 17

Photos:The rise of hostile architecture

London, United Kingdom – A rusty garbage bin at the end of this bench makes it an unpleasant environment for those hoping to rest on it.

Hide Caption

3 of 17

Photos:The rise of hostile architecture

Philadelphia, United States – Design firm Veyko created these benches for Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority's train stations. The wire-based seats are said to be impervious to vandalism and other types of damage -- though they also look hard to sit on.

Hide Caption

4 of 17

Photos:The rise of hostile architecture

Dusseldorf, Germany – This men's room is illuminated with ultraviolet light, which makes it impossible for heroin addicts to find a vein. However, the uncomfortable lighting doesn't only deter drug addicts and dealers -- it also creates an unpleasant atmosphere for other visitors.

Hide Caption

5 of 17

Photos:The rise of hostile architecture

Washington DC, United States – Sometimes hostile architecture is subtle. Instead of unwelcoming armrests, this wooden bench is designed with a curved base, to prevent users from lying down on it.

Hide Caption

6 of 17

Photos:The rise of hostile architecture

London, United Kingdom – Photo of a sloped bench design captured by Cara Chellew, a Toronto-based researcher who focuses on the design, regulation and politics of public spaces. She compiles photographs of defensive architecture on her website #defensiveTO.

Hide Caption

7 of 17

Photos:The rise of hostile architecture

Paris, France – Besides benches, hostile architecture can come in other forms -- like this window sill with anti-loitering spikes, which stop people perching on the concrete ledge.

Hide Caption

8 of 17

Photos:The rise of hostile architecture

Paris, France – Metal spikes on the bench are designed to prevent skateboarders.

Hide Caption

9 of 17

Photos:The rise of hostile architecture

Paris, France – They also stop people from using it for long periods of rest.

Hide Caption

10 of 17

Photos:The rise of hostile architecture

London, United Kingdom – Crisis UK, a charity for homeless people, took photos of this hostile architecture outside a casino on Wardour Street, in the capital's busy Soho district.

Hide Caption

11 of 17

Photos:The rise of hostile architecture

Colorado, United States – The Federal Reserve Bank of Denver, surrounded by fences and spikes.

Hide Caption

12 of 17

Photos:The rise of hostile architecture

Houston, United States – Countless stones have been placed outside this car park -- the sharp rocks make it impossible for homeless people to camp here.

Hide Caption

13 of 17

Photos:The rise of hostile architecture

Bromley, United Kingdom – Produced by UK firm Factory Furniture, the FLO granite was designed to prevent criminal and antisocial activities. The undulating top makes it awkward to lie on, while the smooth surface means there are no slots or crevices in which to hide drugs.

Hide Caption

14 of 17

Photos:The rise of hostile architecture

United Kingdom – Also a Factory Furniture design, the Scroll Seat has been installed across the UK. Its armrests make it impossible to lie down.

Boston, United States – Perhaps the antithesis of hostile architecture, this solar-powered phone charging bench was created by US firm Soofa. Launched in Boston in 2014, Soofa benches are now found in more than 100 cities. This new technology changes how people spend time in public areas and encourage dwelling.

Hide Caption

17 of 17

From sloping benches to concrete spaces littered with spikes, defensive design affects how we interact with urban public spaces.