Anti-Homeless Architecture
Photos: Anti-Homeless Architecture, how it
functions as a tool of gentrification in
Atlanta’s new developments.
By Idia Enadeghe
The city’s skyline continues to rise, but for those who live among its roads and homes, the
ground beneath them is shifting. As gentrification continues to spread deeper into historic
neighborhoods, the prevalence of anti-homeless architecture also increases. Anti-homeless
architecture, or in other words, hostile architecture, is a way for cities to use urbanization as
a reason to cruelly displace unhoused people in growing cities. From pointy benches, where
rest is impossible, to uncomfortable sculptures disguised as art, Atlanta has used these
measures to push those who have been surviving on the streets steadily out of sight.
Having lived in this city my entire life, I find its current approach to public space design is not
effective for what I believe is needed. Instead of designing for the people, it is designed for
aesthetics, especially because it is a major tourist city. But by doing that, the architectural
decisions have become more inhumane. The city could create beautiful public spaces that honor Atlanta's culture while offering resources, comfort, and safety for all. They don’t have to be either aesthetically pleasing or humane; they can be both. But as individuals it is necessary to be able to identify these slow and steady changes in the architectural design of American cities.
This honestly bothers me on a day to day basis. As someone who's also grown up in this city, watching the gradual waning of Atlanta's culture and identity has been so heartbreaking to see. I had friends I grew up with that were homeless for long stretches of time, and, on occasion, I had to spend a night or two with them. During these periods, in the eyes of a random passer-by I was no different. And what I was struck the most by was the pure invisibility I felt. Given the fact that I was a child, I obviously could not buy any tobacco or liquor from the store, yet still, I've been smoking cigarettes since the 6th grade.…