The human dimension: criticism and alternatives to hostile architecture

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Hostile architecture has been criticized for its exclusionary approach and negative impact on the community .

The most obvious argument is that this strategy Nigerian Email List does not address the underlying causes of urban problems and can stigmatize and exclude various groups of people , especially those in vulnerable situations. In this sense, alternatives to hostile architecture focus on more inclusive and participatory approaches in urban design.

As the renowned Danish architect and designer Jan Gehl refers in his Cities for people (2010), these approaches promote citizen participation, the diversity of uses of public space, the improvement of accessibility and lighting, and the creation of welcoming urban environments. and safe for all people .

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For Gehl, “ first we shape cities and then they shape us ”, however, the “ human dimension ” in design has been relegated to the background. Jointly, in this regard, he points out:

"For several decades now, the human dimension has been minimized as an issue to be addressed within urban planning, while other issues, such as managing the constant increase in vehicular traffic, have become paramount. To this we must add that the various ideologies that have dominated the discipline -mainly modernism- have given less and less priority to public space and the role of the city as a meeting place for its inhabitants.



Lastly, we cannot fail to mention that market forces and certain architectural trends have stopped focusing on the interrelationships and common spaces of the city to emphasize individual buildings, which in this process have become increasingly isolated, introverted and disdainful.

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Furthermore, the aforementioned Madanipour also points out that it is essential that architects, urban planners and those responsible for urban planning carefully consider the social and ethical implications of urban designs , promoting inclusive, accessible environments and capable of encouraging citizen participation in public space.

Hostile architecture poses challenges and controversies in contemporary urban design. While it may aim to control and manage public space, its impact on equity and social inclusion is a cause for concern.