By: Lydia James
Edited by: Syafiqah Suhaimi
“Good buildings come from good people, and all problems are solved by good design.” — Stephen Gardiner, a well-renowned British architect.
The quote above suggests that the quality and usefulness of buildings are determined by the people who design, build, and use them. When people come first, problems can be solved and buildings can be designed to meet their needs in a sustainable, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing way. This indicates the significant role of architecture in shaping the quality of life. Architecture is more than just constructing buildings; it is the art and science of creating the physical environment that people inhabit. From the design and layout of homes, schools, and places of worship to the urban planning and design of cities, architecture has a crucial impact in molding our communities and cultural identity.
Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nations (2018) resonates with the objective of making architecture sustainable through their publication of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, commonly known as the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among the 17 SDGs, SDG 11 focuses on the creation of inclusive, safe, and sustainable cities and human settlements.
SDG 11 envisions the aim of " to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable". The goals are to promote sustainable urban planning, design, and effective institutions at all levels with a focus on improving the well-being of citizens as well as creating a safe and inclusive society.
The Rise of Hostile Architecture
The current urban world of architecture, however, has witnessed the emergence of a concerning trend known as hostile architecture. As the name suggests, hostile architecture, according to Karl Persson de Fine Licht, a senior lecturer in Chalmers University of Technology, refers to the intentional design of public spaces with aggressive or harsh elements like metal spikes and bars, that discourage or prevent certain actions, or groups of people from accessing the space. These measures or installations of harsh elements are to prevent certain activities such as loitering, sleeping, skateboarding, etc. in the areas.
Proponents argue that this form of hostile architecture is required and necessary for crime prevention and to maintain order. Critics, however, believe that it is, in fact, cruel and counterproductive by pointing out its oppressive nature.
Hostile architecture perpetuates unequal access to public spaces
These mechanisms, which do not have profound repercussions for a majority of individuals, can slip by unnoticed. Yet, those who comprehend their deliberately oppressive designs may perceive their obvious aim to marginalize specific individuals.
This is evident through the illusion of superiority of the privileged when compared to the homeless by incorporating measures such as the installation of barriers, or sharp spikes in public commodities to avoid certain groups of people from resting in these areas for a long time, denoting how hostile architecture is deliberately excluding certain targeted groups of people by preventing their access to public spaces, thereby reinforcing unequal power dynamics.
This not only goes against the goal of creating inclusive and safe communities but also contradicts the principles of sustainable development that advocate for the rights of all. Even in Malaysia, this offense of inequality is simply unacceptable as it directly clashes with the principle of Ihsan (care and compassion) as promoted by the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim in the latest policy framework of Malaysia Madani.
Hostile architecture opposes the concept of Ihsan
Ihsan, the Islamic concept of striving for excellence, is also often translated as doing something in the most perfect manner.
One of the key aspects of Ihsan is empathy, which entails being sensitive to the needs of others, especially those in vulnerable situations. In the context of architecture and design, this means designing spaces that are accessible and inclusive, including the homeless and other marginalized groups.
Hostile architecture, however, intentionally excludes certain groups from public spaces, creating a culture of alienation that is in direct contrast to the Ihsan principles.
Public spaces should be accessible for every individual
All urban design choices impact the people residing in them, hence it is crucial to strike the right balance. When facing problems such as high levels of homelessness, it is important to consider larger solutions: hostile architecture resolves nothing, but rather simply pushes the problem elsewhere.
Undeniably, this trend of hostile architecture does not only disregard dignity and
humanity of the homeless but also undermines the fundamental social purpose and value of public spaces, which supposedly, should be accessible and inclusive, serving as gathering points for all.
Related images:
1.1 Inhumane hostile architecture example
1.2 Spikes that are commonly implemented in the roadways
1.3 Anti-homeless structure
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