ARCHIMIND

Abstract

This capstone project emphasizes the cruel design practice of exclusionary, or defensive, architecture. The design not only impacts a community itself, but it also impacts those that enter the community. Through extensive research, it has been noted that these holistic design concepts have been hidden in many small common infrastructures such as benches and bike racks. As it is the most common form of hostile architecture, there are still numerous designs that are targeted towards many communities. Some include the homeless, POC, and disabled individuals. It has also been noted that the design concept indulges in many psychological damages mentally, physically, and emotionally with some including social isolation and loneliness. While this issue impacts or brings fire to other issues, it is critical to bring a solution to light, giving some alternatives for the future designers and developers of the built environment. With this in mind, my partner and I plan on creating a bench (modeled to scale) showcasing the difference between exclusionary and accessible architecture. It will enhance the thought of including both function and aesthetics properly, defeating the need for hostile practices.