ADVERTISEMENT

Hostile architecture. You might not be familiar with the term, but you've probably seen it in action. Those spikes on the window ledges, designed to keep the birds away. Or, in a more sinister fashion, things like strategically-placed armrests or rocky floors, cynically installed to ensure that vulnerable people in need of shelter are forced to look elsewhere.

Not only are homeless folks discriminated against directly and culturally, but also structurally too. These exclusionary designs, denying people even the right to find a place to rest, are a stark illustration of our society's collective disregard for basic humanity. Surely we can do better than this?

This heartbreaking list, compiled by Bored Panda, shows some of the most offensive examples of 'anti-homeless' designs, and it will make you ever so grateful for that roof over your head. Because it seems that if misfortune strikes and you should one day happen to lose it, you are most certainly not welcome to try and find a place to sleep on the streets. Scroll down to see what we mean for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments.

#1

You’ve Got To Be The Worst Kind Of Heartless Twat If You Can Go Around Slashing Homeless People’s Tents

You’ve Got To Be The Worst Kind Of Heartless Twat If You Can Go Around Slashing Homeless People’s Tents

JessieKer Report

Add photo comments
POST
boredhuman
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Homeless or not, wanderer or CEO, you simply don't destroy someone else property. This make me so angry.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
RELATED:
    #2

    Someone Installs These Poles To Prevent The Homeless From Sleeping Here, They Find A Solution Anyways

    Someone Installs These Poles To Prevent The Homeless From Sleeping Here, They Find A Solution Anyways

    therewasanattempt Report

    #3

    Modern Problems Require Modern...oh Wait

    Modern Problems Require Modern...oh Wait

    unknown Report

    #4

    When You’re Inclusive But Still Hate The Poor

    When You’re Inclusive But Still Hate The Poor

    isaacazuelos Report

    #5

    Anyone Else Find This Ironic?

    Anyone Else Find This Ironic?

    OhbamanableSnowman Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    varwenea
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never knew those mini arm rest were meant to prevent sleeping on them. That's just cruel.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #6

    An Eyecatching Response To Mumbai’s Homelessness Crisis

    An Eyecatching Response To Mumbai’s Homelessness Crisis

    simonmundy Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Fish Boden
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fark, can you imagine accidentally falling on it. They hate the beggars and the homeless so much they create a hard-core public danger.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #8

    This Man Removed 'Anti-Homeless' Devices From Benches And Ended In Court

    This Man Removed 'Anti-Homeless' Devices From Benches And Ended In Court

    euronews Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kaisu
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm glad he was doing that and I'm sorry he was taken to court because of such a b******t reason!

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    Cut In The Shape Of An Obelisk, They Are Installed On A Private Site In Paris. Imagine A Homeless Man Who Would Lose Balance In The Middle Of This Work Of 'Art'? Or A Child?

    Cut In The Shape Of An Obelisk, They Are Installed On A Private Site In Paris. Imagine A Homeless Man Who Would Lose Balance In The Middle Of This Work Of 'Art'? Or A Child?

    Dégustation de Bon Sens Liège Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kaisu
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you're going to do this, then don't hide it as "art" but just admit that you're being cruel and kicking people who are already down

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #10

    The Worst Example Of Anti-Homeless Architecture I've Ever Seen

    The Worst Example Of Anti-Homeless Architecture I've Ever Seen

    CommunistOrc Report

    #11

    Man Sleeping On A Anti-Homeless Bench

    Man Sleeping On A Anti-Homeless Bench

    Chimichanga007 Report

    #12

    More Anti Homeless Spikes....so Much For Community Spirit

    More Anti Homeless Spikes....so Much For Community Spirit

    rMoiraStilwell Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kaisu
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why the f**k does it matter if homeless people sleep under the bridge and get like the bare minimum of shelter from the rain?

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #13

    Anti-Homeless Architecture

    Anti-Homeless Architecture

    fluter Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Bianka Howwess
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Worker: What should we do about the homeless population? Boss: I don't know, put a bunch of d**k-shaped green things everywhere. Worker: Won't that look bad? Boss: Add some wierd rocks to it, then!

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #14

    When You Wanna Look Inclusive But Hate Homeless People

    When You Wanna Look Inclusive But Hate Homeless People

    Unknown Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kaisu
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are a lot of homeless queer youth who are thrown out of home because they're queer, get out of here with this b******t, this isn't supporting LGBT people, this is just inhumane

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #15

    There Are A Few Different Varieties But They All Serve The Same Purpose

    There Are A Few Different Varieties But They All Serve The Same Purpose

    tx1383 Report

    Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
    Unlimited content
    Ad-free browsing
    Dark mode
    #16

    Montreal Has Probably The Least Subtle Implementation Of Hostile Architecture I Have Ever Seen

    Montreal Has Probably The Least Subtle Implementation Of Hostile Architecture I Have Ever Seen

    AdaRook666 Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #17

    How To Avoid Homeless People To Sleep In Public Places

    How To Avoid Homeless People To Sleep In Public Places

    Porco_cane Report

    #19

    Oh Yeah, Let’s Create More Hostile Architecture

    Oh Yeah, Let’s Create More Hostile Architecture

    mastermeowlificent Report

    #20

    Metro Stop Bench Is Tilted So Attempting To Lay Down Ends Up With You Sliding Off

    Metro Stop Bench Is Tilted So Attempting To Lay Down Ends Up With You Sliding Off

    supremecrafters Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Maya Baggins
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is that way so you can stand but have some (butt)support at the same time

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #21

    Mumbai's Hdfc (Fort Branch) Installs Anti-Homeless Spikes To Tackle The Homelessness Crisis

    Mumbai's Hdfc (Fort Branch) Installs Anti-Homeless Spikes To Tackle The Homelessness Crisis

    Bapu_Ji Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    NCC~1701
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You know what would tackle the homeless crisis? Affordable homes and healthcare!

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #22

    London Shops Put "Anti Homeless Spikes" To Stop The Homeless From Sitting In Their Buildings

    London Shops Put "Anti Homeless Spikes" To Stop The Homeless From Sitting In Their Buildings

    IDontBeleiveImOnFIre Report

    #23

    According To Last Figures, Madrid Counts Over 2700 Homeless Persons Which Encounter A Bombastic City Replete With Hostile Architecture At Bus Stops, Private Shops And Public Buildings And Parks

    According To Last Figures, Madrid Counts Over 2700 Homeless Persons Which Encounter A Bombastic City Replete With Hostile Architecture At Bus Stops, Private Shops And Public Buildings And Parks

    citiesfightingthehomeless Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    NMN
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Where I lived there were not many homeless ppl and plenty of better places to be than bus stops and we had bus stops exactly like that, so i don't think that is the main reason in this case

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #24

    This One Is In China

    This One Is In China

    tx1383 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    John L
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Interesting that they chose to sleep at a precarious angle rather then on the walkway.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #25

    I Like To Think That We Are Better Than This. Architecture That Discriminates Against An Already Marginalized Population Is The Laziest Way To Address The Issue Of Homelessness. If We, As A Public Health Provider, Resort To Doing This, What Kind Of Example Are We Setting?

    I Like To Think That We Are Better Than This. Architecture That Discriminates Against An Already Marginalized Population Is The Laziest Way To Address The Issue Of Homelessness. If We, As A Public Health Provider, Resort To Doing This, What Kind Of Example Are We Setting?

    iantoryes Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Carol Emory
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Although I think shoving homeless people out is deplorable..I can understand them not wanting a homeless person to sleep on and intake or exhaust vent. It could majorly screw up machinery that's linked to that grate.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #26

    Spotted This Abomination In La

    Spotted This Abomination In La

    Exciva Report

    #27

    Fanciest Hostile Architecture I’ve Seen In Person

    Fanciest Hostile Architecture I’ve Seen In Person

    Little_Barnabus Report

    #29

    Not Exactly An Environmentalist Post Today, But What Do You All Think Of Anti Homeless Infrastructure? I Feel Like It Isn't Talked About A Lot. These Spikes Were Installed With The Malicious Intent To Prevent A Homeless Person From Sleeping On The Side Of The Street

    Not Exactly An Environmentalist Post Today, But What Do You All Think Of Anti Homeless Infrastructure? I Feel Like It Isn't Talked About A Lot. These Spikes Were Installed With The Malicious Intent To Prevent A Homeless Person From Sleeping On The Side Of The Street

    herbivorechronicles Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Restless
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And from the empty bottle it would appear to stop drunk people crashing through the window

    #31

    Return To Hostile Architecture?

    Return To Hostile Architecture?

    rwade300 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kaisu
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is bad for elderly people too, who might need to sit for a moment to get some rest

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #32

    Armrests For Comfort. Totally Not To Stop Homeless People Lying Down...

    Armrests For Comfort. Totally Not To Stop Homeless People Lying Down...

    theobanger Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Katarzyna Sak
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You just see one point of view "don't let homeless people lay on bench", look other way - in this case this is also a great help for older people, seniors, who need these kind of armrest to get up, it's very common and sometimes even required in regulations.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #33

    No Hanging Out In The Corner

    No Hanging Out In The Corner

    CaraChellew Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Monika Soffronow
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is against drunks peeing in the corner and if it is an area close to bars or pubs, then I do understand.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #34

    Confused Lumbar Support For One Bar Support

    Confused Lumbar Support For One Bar Support

    IAmTheColorTheft Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Jason M
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm pretty sure I've seen that object in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #35

    In Paris Large Stones Placed Under Bridge To Stop Refugees From Sheltering Or Sleeping Near The Official Camp

    In Paris Large Stones Placed Under Bridge To Stop Refugees From Sheltering Or Sleeping Near The Official Camp

    calaisolidarity Report

    #36

    Another Portland “Bench” (Cesar Chávez Blvd). Kills My Eyes (And Back) Just Looking At That Seating Angle

    Another Portland “Bench” (Cesar Chávez Blvd). Kills My Eyes (And Back) Just Looking At That Seating Angle

    chalhobgob Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Ellen
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm from & live in Portland and one of our many "solutions" was placing actual rock boulders on our highway shoulders to deter and prevent homeless camps/tents. It's sad, really

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #37

    These Lovely Seats In A Paris Metro Station.

    These Lovely Seats In A Paris Metro Station.

    theobanger Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Jason M
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And I paid $30 for a pillow shaped like that for my bed...smh

    #38

    Bench In Clearwater Beach, Florida

    Bench In Clearwater Beach, Florida

    Mirror_Sybok Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    rhyan lumilay
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Four people can seat on that if they didn't put that arm rest there.

    #39

    Flat Ventilation Grate Level With Ground; Homeless Slept On It For Warmth. A Few Months Ago The Grate Was Reno'd With A Slope

    Flat Ventilation Grate Level With Ground; Homeless Slept On It For Warmth. A Few Months Ago The Grate Was Reno'd With A Slope

    nathanng Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #41

    Anti Homeless Spikes

    Anti Homeless Spikes

    henryqs Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Restless
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It would be a bit dangerous to sleep in the centre island anyway, would it not?

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #42

    Anti-Homeless Architecture

    Anti-Homeless Architecture

    fluter Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Monika Soffronow
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is another anti drunks measure. It is to stop loudmouth drunk people spilling out from bars to sit and have noisy in the middle of the night conversations.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #43

    Newly Built “Benches” Spotted In Riverdale Park East

    Newly Built “Benches” Spotted In Riverdale Park East

    CaraChellew Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kel Gal
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How is anti-homeless? There's is plenty of room for people to sleep/hang out.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #44

    Tonight, We Noticed A Theatre Had These Removable Anti-Homeless Spikes In Their Doorway

    Tonight, We Noticed A Theatre Had These Removable Anti-Homeless Spikes In Their Doorway

    HomelessReach Report

    #46

    Hostile Architecture By Madison Square Park: Benches Built At An Incline, Rendering Sleep For Houseless People Impossible

    Hostile Architecture By Madison Square Park: Benches Built At An Incline, Rendering Sleep For Houseless People Impossible

    jersing Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Monday
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These benches are actually designed to make it easier for disabled or elderly people to stand up after sitting on them. This one has nothing to do with homelessness

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #47

    Don't Sit Here - Anti-Homeless Bench In Mall

    Don't Sit Here - Anti-Homeless Bench In Mall

    kabads Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Restless
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To be honest - if we had homeless people sleeping in Malls people would moan about that as well

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #48

    Anti-Homeless Architecture

    Anti-Homeless Architecture

    fluter Report

    #49

    Anti-Homeless Architecture

    Anti-Homeless Architecture

    Arnaud Elfort, Guillaume Schaller Report

    #50

    Installed Around Paris, Unsure Of Exact Purpose

    Installed Around Paris, Unsure Of Exact Purpose

    theobanger Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    François Bouzigues
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It avoids people peeing. And this kind of corners are perfect for ambushing, or kick the hell out of someone.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #51

    This New York City Bench

    This New York City Bench

    JamaicanRiceRat Report

    #52

    Anti-Homeless Architecture

    Anti-Homeless Architecture

    fluter Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kath Leen
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    who would even try to walk on that stairs?anti homeless anti people in general.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #53

    Anti-Homeless Architecture

    Anti-Homeless Architecture

    Nils Norman Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #54

    At Least It Looks Cool

    At Least It Looks Cool

    Tremont99 Report

    #55

    Anti-Homeless Architecture

    Anti-Homeless Architecture

    usbeketrica Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Cahit Andaç
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't think this is about homeless people. Because it looks like there's no shelter above, or it doesn't look like a place to sleep for homeless people. it's just ordinary pavement and decorated with some stones to fill the gap.

    #56

    Tiny Benches In Utah

    Tiny Benches In Utah

    OLPLXIX Report

    #57

    Anti-Homeless Architecture

    Anti-Homeless Architecture

    Survival Group Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Restless
    Community Member
    5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh come on now, do you want a homeless person sleeping at the bank machine when you need to use it. This is pushing the whole thing way out

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu