This article first appeared in The Edge Malaysia Weekly on September 18, 2023 - September 24, 2023
An urban design movement to exert control has gained momentum. Known as “hostile architecture”, it is akin to a locked door disguised as an open invitation. It welcomes some while intentionally excluding others, quietly shaping public spaces into unwelcoming landscapes of division rather than unity.
Rising crime, property protection, aesthetics and social issues are often cited as reasons for its implementation. While not always maliciously intended, the result contributes to exclusion. From New York to Kuala Lumpur and cities in between, hostile architecture leaves its mark with spikes and studs on windowsills and ledges while putting bollards, planters and other restrictive interventions in public spaces.
On the flip side, “equitable architecture” reimagines spaces as platforms for connection, offering accessibility, comfort and a sense of belonging. It challenges the status quo by considering diversity, fostering collaborative designs and featuring creative landscaping that uplifts communities.
True inclusivity begins with accessibility, as exemplified in Singapore’s Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. The park integrates wheelchair-friendly paths, braille signage and tactile indicators. Technology can enhance inclusivity, with apps offering audio descriptions and translation services. KLCC Park takes it further by including cultural needs through prayer rooms. The park’s design fosters unity among users, celebrating Malaysia’s diversity.
Going beyond design, equitable architecture thrives on community engagement. Collaborating with residents, advocacy groups and other stakeholders ensures that design choices reflect actual needs.
Town hall meetings, workshops and online platforms can facilitate dialogue with the community. The design of the High Line in New York City used this approach, resulting in an elevated park that integrates green spaces and seating and artistic installations that reflect the neighbourhood’s character and cater to diversity.
Similarly, the Rail Corridor project in Singapore repurposed a former railway line into a vibrant linear park that reconnects communities while preserving historical significance. When communities become co-creators, it ensures spaces embody inclusivity, functionality and cultural richness.
Vancouver prioritises women’s safety in public spaces, as seen through a gender lens and using a “Women’s Safety Audit”. Women assessed and redesigned spaces to enhance safety by implementing well-lit pathways, clear sightlines and panic buttons in parking lots. It removes fear and promotes gender equality and societal well-being.
Flexible use of space that accommodates multiple activities and user preferences is another example of equitable architecture, such as in Washington Square Park, New York City. This can also work in informal spaces, as seen in the weekend transformation of the street fronting Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad from a thoroughfare into a vibrant pedestrian space. Embracing a car-free zone, it becomes a lively gathering point for families, artists and tourists, fostering a sense of community while preserving the historical charm of Kuala Lumpur.
Integration of greenery, trees and natural elements promotes well-being and provides respite in cities. The Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration Project transformed a neglected waterway in Seoul by demolishing an elevated highway to create an ecologically rich 3.6-mile corridor with lush landscaping and walking paths for recreation. The Seoul Metropolitan Government reported that it led to a 35% lowering of air pollutants, a 3C temperature decrease and 15% more foot traffic.
Architecture, urban planning and design are considered important tools to materialise the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the built environment. It recognises that the beauty of public spaces lies not only in their physical form but also in the diverse interactions, connections and stories that unfold within them.
Ahila Ganesan is an architect and the founder of Future LinQ, an ESG-focused consultancy that helps businesses connect sustainability to strategy. She is also a steering committee member of the 30% Club Malaysia. These are her personal views.
This op-ed is part of a thought leadership series, Equity, Equality, Prosperity, by diverse voices for inclusion, done in collaboration with 30% Club Malaysia, a global business campaign
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