Why We Don't See Other People

The physical architecture of exclusion in cities is causing us not to see other people. Hostile architecture such as sloping benches designed to deter skateboarding and preventing homeless individuals from sleeping, high sonic pitch sounds in shopping malls to deter youths, and special lights causing acne to discourage young people from staying, are examples of how cities are increasingly designed to keep certain groups out. This design trend includes gated communities that exclude low-income individuals from amenities like playgrounds, creating a dangerous situation where people are segregated based on income levels.