In the article, “The London Spikes Controversy: Homelessness, Urban Securitisation and the Question of ‘Hostile Architecture”, James Petty analyzes the bigger picture behind the implementation of ‘hostile architecture’ in urban areas and spaces. Petty begins the article by exploring the London 2014 controversy of the implementation of ‘anti-homeless spikes’. This controversy is discussed as a case study analysis that centers around the connection this controversy has to ‘urban securitization’ and ‘hostile architecture’. The article provokes and analyzes various questions related to multiple controversial issues. Many various architectural interventions are discussed with close attention to the controversy behind the installation of them. The article highlights the controversy with many issues other than the metal spikes. Although, all of these examples are related back to questioning the ethics, impact, marginalization, and overall relationship that ‘urban securitization’ and ‘hostile architecture’ have with social inequality. The discussion of ‘hostile architecture’ has on perpetuating social inequality through its negative implications that have caused a societal distaste stereotype on homelessness. Petty ends the article with the argument of ‘urban securitization’ and ‘hostile architecture’ perpetuating social inequality and provokes controversy around socio-political, governmental, ideological and socio-economic conditions that have supported the harsh rejection that has redefined the acceptance of ‘out of place’ homelessness.

Image of the Beer Garden’s discrete implementation of spiral razor wire on top of the palisade and promote hostile architecture.

The Beer Garden in Eugene, Oregon has implemented ‘hostile architecture’ through the very common spiral razor wire being implemented on top of the space’s surrounding palisade. I think that a large issue is the perception of stereotypes that are promoted by ‘urban securitization’ and ‘hostile architecture’ which have led to society overlooking implementations of ‘hostile architecture’ because it’s become so common. The rejection of accepting ‘out of place’ homelessness has become dominant throughout society making many people feel as though it’s necessary for their security and/or safety. The analysis provided in the reading, “The London Spikes Controversy: Homelessness, Urban Securitisation and the Question of ‘Hostile Architecture” by James Petty, is meant to provoke questioning and rethinking one’s perception and beliefs around ethics, impact, marginalization, and overall relationship to social inequality. With this mindset, the spiral razor wire represents rejection of accepting the ‘out of place’ homelessness and promoting social inequality. This mindset has flooded society and resulted in a very large and controversial issue on the perpetrating of social inequality that’s promoted many negative stereotypes around homelessness. This is argued to be done through the social control of feeling a need for ‘hostile architecture’ and ‘urban securitization’ which in this case, is supported by the feeling of necessity for spiral razor wire to provide a sense of safety.