Defensive architecture: Are public spaces really for everyone?

Defensive architecture: Are public spaces really for everyone?

in Dornbirn, Vorarlberg, the so -called defensive architecture ensures heated debates. This includes public objects that are designed to rule out certain groups, such as the controversial benches at the Dornbirner train station, which prevents people from lying down in the middle. The city administration emphasizes that this measure is not about discriminating against homeless people, but only preventing lying on the benches to make room for other passengers, as reported. But architect Alexander Hagner, who teaches at the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, makes it clear that public space should belong to everyone - regardless of origin and income.

architecture for homeless projects

Hagner not only advocated defensive architecture, but also initiated innovative projects that serve to protect endangered social groups. He realized the community living project "Vinzirast-Mittendrin" in the 9th Vienna district, where formerly homeless people live together with students. This is a unique approach to promote the exchange and understanding between these two social groups, as Deutschlandfunk.de Hagner emphasizes the need to find architectural solutions that give people a feeling of belonging instead of further isolating them in society.

These projects aim to integrate people into the community and create an empathetic urban environment. With the creation of rooms that enable exchange and interaction, Hagner would like to help strengthen the social structure and prevent social isolation from becoming the norm. Such initiatives are crucial to promote a common understanding between different social classes and to preserve social peace.