Bungled benches and scary stairs: 20+ Hostile designs that will turn people away ASAP

Remy Millisky • Writer and Editor

Apr 17, 2023 3:00 PM EDT

There's an entire branch of architectural design that's made not to entice people, but to drive them away instead. It's called "hostile architecture," and you probably see it all the time without ever noticing. Especially if you live in a major city — these things are everywhere! Lots of benches are designed with handles in the middle, to prevent people from sleeping on them. Other spaces are designed to have spikes or other bumpy objects on top to prevent folks from having a seat. And then, we have other objects that were meant to be welcoming, but instead, turned out pretty wonky.

Check them out below! Then, check out the uniquely weird hot takes and fresh ideas from these big brained people on the internet.

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01
You can try to convince me this is a bench but I know it's really a big crinkle-cut fry

via @hostiledesign
02
The person who designed this roof access is going to have a lot of explaining to do

via u/fixingbysmashing
03
Something makes me think they don't want people sitting there

via @hostiledesign
04
Neither can live while the other survives

via u/Bonnie1942
05
Terrifying staircase!

via @hostiledesign
06
Any wheelchair user will be treated to a wild, unstoppable ride down this ramp

via @hostiledesign
07
Give it probably one minute before this hurts to sit on

via @hostiledesign
08

via @hostiledesign
09
Have a climb down these "unusable stairs"

via u/FestieBoy
10

via u/mkw4life
11

via u/Lord-Crimble
12
It's a fruit salad of architecture styles

via u/kaupas24
13

via u/CLETU5
14

via @hostiledesign
15

via u/Fishy553
16
Nope, it's not a glitch, it's just like that

via u/FreakDustSK_2004
17

via @hostiledesign
18
Do you trust your balance?

via u/charizardlv51
19
These stools look less than comfy

via @hostiledesign
20

via u/Snowwy12345678
21
Baffling

via @BrianManzullo
22
This airport does not want your buns on this ledge

via @hostiledesign
23
Last but not least, this hero who overcame the obstacles to get a nice snooze

via @hostiledesign