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52 Examples Of Hostile Design That Pretend To Help But Don’t
Designers are supposed to be making the world easier and more enjoyable, but sometimes they do the exact opposite. Instead of removing obstacles, they create additional ones!
There can be a whole bunch of reasons for it. Maybe there was a need to reduce costs or a push to influence a certain behavior, but the bottom line is that users aren't happy.
The X account ‘Hostile Design’ highlights examples of these questionable “solutions,” showcasing the many ways objects and spaces can work against people and communities.
More info: X
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#4
quentariel 3 months ago
This would be perfect in Finland. To be honest, if that bench continued the whole way, people would only sit on the opposite ends at the same time.
#14
David Paterson 3 months ago (edited)
Now this I like. Different people different heights. With a disabled access one at the end. Do you think they could make short flight airplane seats like these?
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#20
Daisydaisy 3 months ago
It just horrifies me that we don't want homeless people to even have a place to lie down. I find this really distressing. Why are we so cruel?
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Kerry Bown 3 months ago
I get this, they domt want people sitting on the sill and blocking the window display.
#25
Janissary35680 3 months ago
This one has me stumped. How are those seats stable under even a normal adult body weight load?
#26
Janissary35680 3 months ago
Muratpaşa is a township in Antalya in Turkey. Very HOT and humid climate in summer and before AC became widely available even people with homes frequently slept outdoors.
#30
I am not you 3 months ago
This is a long, black bicycle parking rack mounted on a concrete platform in front of a brick wall. The rack features vertical posts to support the wheels of many bicycles at once.
#31
Arthur Waite 3 months ago
Is this in Rainy Britain? Because it sure wouldn't be popular in Sunny Arizona.
#35
I am not you 3 months ago
This is a public memorial. It is not intended for sitting, lying down, or skateboarding. The spikes are not sharp, but they prevent damage
#38
wiseass20 wiseass20 3 months ago
Keeps people from moving or taking chairs, is a thought, this being inside makes think it's not a sleeping issue
#40
M O'Connell 3 months ago
The ledge is so narrow that this doesn't feel hostile to anything but birds.
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#44
I am not you 3 months ago
Nothing hostile with this one either. It's not ment for seating,but standing.
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#48
I am not you 3 months ago
This is a bench made of two metal pipes at Osanbashi Pier in Yokohama, Japan. The structure serves as part of the ferry terminal's outdoor area. It is designed with a wavy wooden deck that functions as a rooftop terrace. The bench is not intended for lying or sitting, but for leaning against.
#50
Arthur Waite 3 months ago
And from the size of that crack, I'd say even the plants aren't comfortable.
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Malsumis 3 months ago
these aren't designers "forgetting", it's intentional design to make it as uncomfortable as possible for (mostly) homeless people to relax or sleep or loiter in these areas
Sarah Suelzle 3 months ago (edited)
OK - hold on everyone - yes, a lot of these are anti homeless, discouraging loitering, etc. However, some of them, like the ones directly in front of businesses doors and windows...I don't blame the business owner for discouraging people living and/or sleeping in their doorway or whatever. What are they supposed to do? Just allow people to loiter/sleep/live in front of your shop entrance and window displays? The police won’t do anything and if they do, either the people come right back or are simply replaced by others. I’m not going to get into a whole thing with you but I’m born and raised in Portland, Oregon and I know what I’m talking about. Don’t always be so quick to judge.
Trish Panda 2 months ago
To be fair, a lot of the ones at the shops seemed to be more anti pigeons and the ones in PUBLIC parks were to prevent humans from resting comfortably
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Astrobloom (they/them) 3 months ago
Get in losers, we're going to correct some hostile architecture.
Malsumis 3 months ago
these aren't designers "forgetting", it's intentional design to make it as uncomfortable as possible for (mostly) homeless people to relax or sleep or loiter in these areas
Sarah Suelzle 3 months ago (edited)
OK - hold on everyone - yes, a lot of these are anti homeless, discouraging loitering, etc. However, some of them, like the ones directly in front of businesses doors and windows...I don't blame the business owner for discouraging people living and/or sleeping in their doorway or whatever. What are they supposed to do? Just allow people to loiter/sleep/live in front of your shop entrance and window displays? The police won’t do anything and if they do, either the people come right back or are simply replaced by others. I’m not going to get into a whole thing with you but I’m born and raised in Portland, Oregon and I know what I’m talking about. Don’t always be so quick to judge.
Trish Panda 2 months ago
To be fair, a lot of the ones at the shops seemed to be more anti pigeons and the ones in PUBLIC parks were to prevent humans from resting comfortably
Load More Replies... Astrobloom (they/them) 3 months ago
Get in losers, we're going to correct some hostile architecture.
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