The Olympics’ Hostile Architecture Is a Preview of What’s to Come

As cities around the world compete to host major events like the Olympics, more and more are turning to hostile architecture to control and manipulate public spaces.

From anti-homeless spikes to benches with armrests to deter sleeping, hostile architecture is designed to restrict certain behaviors and demographics from using public spaces.

While these design features may create a more visually appealing environment, they also serve to exclude and marginalize certain groups of people.

The use of hostile architecture at the Olympics is a troubling preview of how cities are prioritizing aesthetics and profits over the well-being of their residents.

By allowing these design features to become more prevalent, we are creating a future where public spaces are unwelcoming and exclusive to all but a select few.

It is crucial that we push back against the normalization of hostile architecture and advocate for inclusive and accessible public spaces for all.

The Olympics should be a celebration of unity and diversity, not a showcase of exclusion and discrimination.

It is up to us to demand change and ensure that public spaces remain open and welcoming to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Let’s use the Olympics as a lesson in what not to do and strive for a future where all individuals can enjoy and partake in public spaces without fear or discrimination.