Architectural details that selectively exclude specific groups or behaviors, such as anti-street sleeping spikes, are an example of visibly violent forms of social control. James Petty argues that the less obvious ways that buildings can detour “undesirable” users are more harmful because the protected class of users don’t notice them. This allows the continued ignorance towards systemic over policing, punishment, and stigmatization that keeps the unhoused on the streets. Instead, policy is made targeting and blaming the individuals own moral failings for current circumstances. Linking the problem to late modern capitalism that concentrates impoverished communities, creates policy that reduces regulation on business practices, and putting the focus out-groups that don’t meet aesthetic standards in the name of profit. Petty describes how this capital-centric culture is more interested in hiding the unsightly problems of poverty because of its potential to scare away customers and less about helping. Although it is not illegal to be unhoused, the laws and other forms of social control in public spaces reduces who gets to be part of the public and punishes the others indirectly.  Agreeing that the London spike example is horrendously inhuman, the author points to the lack of unhoused voices in the conversation, how the housed population feelings are prioritized, and was critical on inaction towards the less visible forms of violence happening to this vulnerable population.

Public libraries are a popular and much needed space of reprieve for the unhoused population. Having access to power, the internet, and books can be a tool to help improve their current living situation. Reportedly, the not-so-public Knight Library at U of O is open to residents over 16 years old with proof of an Oregon address. This is a policy that reduces access if you are unhoused and have no address to prove residency, but the building itself also communicates who its desired user is. With the main entrance that is inward facing, the public façade at the end of 15^th is adjacent to sorority and fraternity housing and is surrounded by a fence that can only be accessed by faculty or through the loading docks. If you manage to find the entrance, the lobby antechamber surrounds you in dark marble and there is no visual access to the book stacks. Modern interventions have been added to improve way finding, but the original interior layout gives non-university users pause before entering. Until recently, a sign was imbedded into the wall that had explicit racially exclusive language that supports the subtler hostility that remain even after the sign was removed.