Fuck Hostile Architecture

Belonging to my '(Host)ile' project

Late 15c., from French hostile "of or belonging to an enemy" (15c.) or directly from Latin hostilis "of an enemy, belonging to or characteristic of the enemy; inimical," from hostis, in earlier use "a stranger, foreigner," in classical use "an enemy," from PIE root ghos-ti- "stranger, guest, host."

Inspired by examples of hostile architecture, like spikes on windowsills or benches designed to deter rough sleepers, I created a tongue-in-cheek piece that pushes back against these tactics.

Two examples In Bristol: one where a local business installed sprinklers outside to drive rough sleepers away; another where cycle routes with bollards disguise where caravan dwellers once lived.

This work acts as a sharp commentary. The piece essentially says what these measures already imply: go fuck yourself, as if people experiencing homelessness don’t have enough to deal with already. It’s a pointed reflection on anti-loitering measures, and the quiet cruelty embedded in the design of public space. These same hostile designs also target sex workers, pushing them further into unsafe, hidden areas where they are more vulnerable to violence and exploitation.