The increase of homelessness in Amsterdam, and the growing awareness of anti-homeless architecture excluding people from occupying its public spaces, have warranted an evaluation of the extent of this design strategy, as well as its negative effects on the daily routines and experiences of people experiencing homelessness.
This research observable and recorded examples of anti-homeless architecture within the publicly accessible space of Amsterdam’s city center, and collected personal testimonies from 33 people who have experienced homelessness in the same area. 559 measures were mapped as anti-homeless architecture, together with their characteristics, severity, and spatial distribution. While these measures were recognized by people who have experienced homelessness, non-spatial factors such as law enforcement protocols were found to have significantly more negative impacts on sleeping habits.
The research demonstrated the combination of cartographic and qualitative methods to study the topic of anti-homeless architecture and its negative influence on homeless routines through distinct approaches. The study suggests that while anti-homeless architecture is a widely present element in Amsterdam’s
streetscape, its role in displacing the city’s homeless citizens is complicated by broader social and policy-related factors.
Marcelo van Gestel (2024), Mapping anti-homeless architecture and its negative effects on homeless routines in Amsterdam’s city center. Bsc thesis - Bachelor of Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences, University of Amsterdam
Header afbeelding: Photo by Ev on Unsplash.com
Icon afbeelding: Photo by Ev on Unsplash.com