Why would architecture be hostile?

Block Sunbed, designed by Atle Tveit and Lars Tornøe.

Photo by Espen Grønli

It's really quite sad that a term like hostile architecture has arisen.

A few years ago, we travelled around the city of Oslo taking pictures of flower boxes with spikes that chase away everything from boundless skaters to exploring children. We found truckloads of boulders dumped under bridges to chase homeless people from a dry night's sleep. In desperation, they were still sleeping there, just in even worse conditions. Slender rounded benches at bus stops designed for only a short break. God forbid that a homeless person should be able to go under a roof on a rainy night and take a rest. As a result, pregnant women, the elderly and others can't take a proper break either.

The Stoop stair bencj designed by Julien De Smedt, lounge cahirs by Andreas Engesvik and Jonas Stokke and

The Norwegian company Vestre has established the world's most sustainable furniture factory, The Plus, at Magnor, designed by BIG Architects. In the dept of the Norwegian forest they created outdoor furniture that has one goal; togetherness. It doesn't matter which of their designers is responsible for the design of the various pieces of furniture, these pieces create a sense of unity, community and true relaxation around the world.

It's a sight to behold when Vestre spreads their colourful furniture across the Opera Square in Copenhagen.