Those armrests in the middle of benches aren’t just for your comfort, they’re intended to keep the homeless from laying on them. Cities are filled with these mean-spirited inconveniences. But who’s to say how a person should use a bench?
In this episode of Stuff You Should Know, Josh and Chuck explore the concept of hostile architecture—the deliberate design of public spaces to discourage certain uses, particularly to prevent homeless people from sleeping or loitering on benches, under overpasses, and in other urban areas. From armrests dividing benches to uncomfortable Camden Benches in London and even coin-operated spikes in Chinese parks, they dive into how cities worldwide have engineered their spaces to invisibly push out vulnerable populations while maintaining a facade of public friendliness. The hosts discuss the ethical implications of this design strategy and how it affects not just homeless individuals, but also elderly, disabled, and pregnant people who might need to use public spaces differently than the "approved" ways.
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