n. Architectural designs and features that aim to deter unsanctioned uses of public or private spaces or buildings.
2014
For more than a decade "defensive architecture" has increasingly been creeping into urban life. From narrow, slanted bus shelter seats — not even suitable for sitting on, let alone sleeping on — to park benches with peculiar armrests designed to make it impossible to recline; from angular metal studs on central London ledges to surreal forests of pyramid bollards under bridges and flyovers.
2013
And, to prevent hawkers from putting up stalls inside Karanj Baug, Doshi and his team have designed defensive architecture whereby a slope would be there on the garden periphery and benches shaped in such a way that none can sleep on those.
2001 (earliest)
The type of skateboarding that plagues these architects and the spaces they create, "street skating," has only existed for about fifteen years, and in fact was born out of the barren, defensive spaces created by redevelopment. Thus street skating is not only an impetus for defensive architecture, but also a symptom of defensive architecture.
"It would be irresponsible to just try to make my own architectural statement, oblivious to the security problems in the area," Murphy said. "You do that and you might as well put a neon sign in front saying: 'We've got VCRs and modern appliances. Come and get them.'"
Murphy and other architects say they are responding to their clients' concerns. But some planning experts contend that this defensive architecture has a more ominous side.
Murphy and other architects say they are responding to their clients' concerns. But some planning experts contend that this defensive architecture has a more ominous side.