Hostile architecture, also known as defensive architecture or anti-homeless architecture, refers to the design of public spaces or buildings intentionally designed to restrict or discourage certain activities or behaviors and to make these areas uncomfortable or inaccessible to the homeless or other marginalized groups. Examples of hostile architecture include benches with armrests to prevent sleeping, spikes or dividing bars on flat surfaces to prevent loitering, or slanted windowsills to prevent sitting or sleeping. The purpose of hostile architecture is to control the behaviors of certain individuals or groups and to maintain the perceived "normal" use of public spaces or buildings.
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