The article The London Spikes Controversy: Homelessness, Urban Securitization and the Question of ‘Hostile Architecture’ focuses on the issues of homelessness, urban securitization, and the inclusion of “hostile architecture” in design. Focusing on the problems of homelessness and urban securitization while also looking at how anti homelessness rose in expensive and private communities of London. This article also argues about the impact certain types of design in hostile architecture has on disadvantaged groups in the community. With hostile architecture we look at structures and public spaces that portray this defensive behavior. The goal is to change the environment in a way that deters people from using it in a destructive way or a way that it was not originally intended. This means designing in ways to avoid loitering, sleeping on the streets, and skateboarding. This idea of hostile architecture have been put in place to avoid these dangerous actions. Other ways the inclusion of security measures has been in terms of working closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of the community. This article argues that designing space and environments with hostile architecture allows those in the community to feel safe and deters others from using the space for the wrong reason.

Camp 13 Cafe Interior

In relation to this article, Jaqua’s Camp 13 Cafe is located on the east side of campus and is a great example of hostile architecture in design. While the design intent of the building was different from this article, is design characteristics align with hostile architectures main point. While beautifully designed and executed, the exterior of the space is not fully inviting as it is surrounded by water for all but one side. The building was also designed without coverage around the building. Both of these design decisions have made the building safer as people are less likely to use the space in an incorrect and unsafe manner. When looking a the interior of the space, we can get a sense of hostile architecture design as well. The space is not as comfortably laid out or open for the various uses in which people would take advantage of the space. While the cafe does have a good amount of seating the space and its acoustic effect as well as lighting design is not comfortable for long term use. The Camp 13 Cafe was designed for the quick grab and go or even staying to do work design rather than a long term stay. While the exterior does more in terms of hostile architecture and deterring people for abusing the space, the interior also offers somewhat of a hostile environment.