Documenting defensive/hostile urbanism in Toronto and beyond | Advocating for more inclusive public spaces | Created by @CaraChellew #defensiveTO
Joined June 2019
- Tweets 519
- Following 605
- Followers 566
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75 Photos and videos
Pinned Tweet
30 Jul 2019
Conflict is inevitable, but how we deal with it, is not. Rather than continuing to create spaces that cater to an idealized notion of “the public,” let’s make spaces for all those people who is already here #defensiveTO #TOpoli
What if you found out that your neighbourhood park may not be as welcoming as you thought? @CaraChellew maps defensive urban design in Toronto.
spacing.ca/toronto/2019/07/3…
#defensiveTO #TOpoli
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DefensiveTO retweeted
19 Dec 2024
📢PODCAST ALERT!!🎙️
Spikes, armrests, harsh lighting, annoying music.
These are all ways in which design of public spaces deter people from using them for sleep, rest or self-care.
Listen to our episode @CaraChellew to learn more!
👉poverty-unpacked.org/2024/12…
#defensivedesign
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DefensiveTO retweeted
22 Oct 2024
What does it mean to design public space for people who are already there?
Thank you @CityChangersOrg podcast for inviting me to share my work.
I really enjoyed hearing from Kenneth Balfelt on the design of Folket's Park. Have a listen!
citychangers.org/podcast-def…
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DefensiveTO retweeted
13 Oct 2024
Not enough seats at Bramalea GO so people resort to sitting on the stairs. Would be possible to adr a few benches to this wide empty platform? @GOtransit
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DefensiveTO retweeted
13 Oct 2024
13 Oct 2024
Not enough seats at Bramalea GO so people resort to sitting on the stairs. Would be possible to adr a few benches to this wide empty platform? @GOtransit
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DefensiveTO retweeted
22 Aug 2024
Weaponizing the soundtrack of the city - check of my latest article in @Spacing to find out how sound is used to displace
#defensiveTO #DefensiveUrbanism #HostileDesign #PublicSpace
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24 Aug 2024
22 Aug 2024
Weaponizing the soundtrack of the city - check of my latest article in @Spacing to find out how sound is used to displace
#defensiveTO #DefensiveUrbanism #HostileDesign #PublicSpace
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DefensiveTO retweeted
13 May 2024
We're asking the City of Toronto to create a comprehensive public washroom plan. Are you part of a community group or org that wants to sign on to our community letter?
Please fill out this form or get in touch: tinyurl.com/26xkfjws
#PublicSpace #TOpoli
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DefensiveTO retweeted
5 May 2024
Troubling to see Halifax’s approach to encampments is to cut off public space for all #HostileHalifax #DefensiveUrbanism #PublicSpace
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DefensiveTO retweeted
27 Feb 2024
Also, this is the "seating" outside of a hospital? Besides the single accessible seat, the rest of the concrete slab lacks accessible features (like a backrest) and has metal protrusions that can be a hazard to sit on
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DefensiveTO retweeted
27 Feb 2024
Lack of human scale and super hostile "bench" - who are we creating our cities for? #defensiveTO #HostileDesign
27 Feb 2024
The new tower @BHarchitects for @SickKidsNews. Its face to the city feels hostile, dull and cheap.
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DefensiveTO retweeted
10 Feb 2024
10 Feb 2024
Why are there no places to sit at the Eaton centre?
Why have we built spaces that treat us like this? No care. No care or consideration for those when extra needs.
Also at a basic level, why can't I just sit somewhere in this city??
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DefensiveTO retweeted
21 Feb 2024
20 Feb 2024
Two new downtown parks in Toronto with land arch by @JRStudio_news - each hugely lacking in seating.
The city keeps doing this: building squares in which there is nothing to do but sit, but almost nowhere to sit.
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DefensiveTO retweeted
5 Dec 2023
The Toronto Public Space Committee needs your help! We are looking to raise $5000 for 2024 to help cover administrative costs as well as support our current projects. To learn more about what we're doing and to donate check out the link below:
publicspace.ca/donate
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DefensiveTO retweeted
29 Nov 2023
Public space is flexible enough to accommodate multiple uses in times of crisis we are experiencing a housing and shelter crisis @oliviachow @DianneSaxe @SHJNetwork
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DefensiveTO retweeted
28 Nov 2023
Brutal response from the city that displaces hides the fact that people have no where to go #defensiveTO #HostileDesign #PublicSpace
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A special feature on Toronto's problem with benches (the lack thereof) features writing by @JohnLorinc and @CaraChellew , and photography by @MatthewBlackett
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DefensiveTO retweeted
19 Oct 2023
It’s always nice to see my work in print. Thanks @JohnLorinc @dylan_reid and the folks at @Spacing for the opportunity!
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DefensiveTO retweeted
25 Aug 2023
#defensiveTO disguised as "fun" seating - meant to look inviting, but designed so that people don't stay for long
Also missing requirements for #accessibility such as backrests and clear paths of approach
25 Aug 2023
Some new & really fun street furniture on Queen West
ALT Photo of colourful street furniture
ALT Photo of colourful street furniture
ALT Photo of colourful street furniture (this one is a leaning bench)
ALT Photo of colourful street furniture
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DefensiveTO retweeted
8 Aug 2023
First season of John Wilson took on Defensive Architecture (thought of @DefensiveTO immediately) and this season kicks off with an entire ep on public restrooms a la @lezlielowe. Feel like I could run an entire urbanism viewing/panel applying elements of this show to TO.
25 Jul 2023
Public (restroom) service announcement.
#HowToWithJohnWilson premieres this Friday at 11PM ET on @StreamOnMax.
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