hostile architecture

[ hos-tl ahr-ki-tek-cher, hos-tahyl ]

noun

1. design elements of public buildings and spaces that are intended to stop unwanted behavior such as loitering or sleeping in public by making such behavior difficult and uncomfortable:

   The new park was filled with hostile architecture such as spikes on flat surfaces and hard, narrow benches.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hostile architecture¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Nor could he forget for one second the hostile architecture of their destination.

From Project Gutenberg