Summary of Architectural Exclusion: Discrimination And Segregation Through Physical Design Of The Built Environment

Emir Talundzic on

In her article “Architectural Exclusion: Discrimination And Segregation Through Physical Design Of The Built Environment”, Sarah Schindler focuses on the issue of segregation through architectural design. Schindler divides her article in two parts. Part one discusses the theory of discrimination and segregation through architecture while part two discusses the application of this theory. This summary will highlight the major examples Schindler uses to describe the theory of discrimination and segregation through architecture as well as its application.

Since it is now unacceptable to segregate people openly, organizations and people have resorted to segregating people through architecture since it is much less obvious to the public. By designing things a certain way, such as the benches in a park, which are divided into sections, it can restrict certain types of people from wishing to use them. At first glance, the divided sections may seem practical because they allow people to sit among each other with space in between them. However, the divided sections of the bench may also serve as a deterrent for homeless people since they can no longer lay on the bench to sleep. (Schindler 1942).

Divided central park bench.

(Divided central park bench.)

To further support her theory, Schindler focuses on what the placement and availability of desirable items have on people, or as she calls it “features of the built environment that function to control human behavior or hinder access” (Schindler 1948). For example, Schindler uses the example of junk food and healthy food in a cafeteria. If the cafeteria wishes to offer the healthier options to the consumers, they will place them in areas that are easily accessible and visible. The options of junk food will still be available, but will be harder to reach and less visible in comparison to the healthier counterparts. (Schindler 1948). The point being made is that people will tend to do the things that are most convenient to them. Schindler ties this together by including the examination conducted by Lior Jacob Strahilevitz on exclusionary amenities. The idea is to segregate based on social class. By increasing the price of “exclusionary amenities” such as houses, it restricts the ability for poorer social classes to mix with the rich elite class. (Schindler 1949).

In part two of “Architectural Exclusion: Discrimination And Segregation Through Physical Design Of The Built Environment”, Schindler discusses the application of the theory of segregation through architecture. The first example used by Schindler are the bridges constructed by Robert Moses. Moses did not wish to mix the people of lower socioeconomic classes with the higher classes. In order to do this, Moses created the bridges that led to Jones’s Beach with a lower clearance, so that public transportation like buses would not be able to travel to the island. Moses did not wish to allow buses to travel to the island since public transportation is associated with people of lower socioeconomic classes, typically those of color. (Schindler 1953)

In addition to this, the placement of bus stops and construction of highways also plays a large role in architectural segregation. Many communities refuse to have bus stops placed near them since the bus stops would allow those who are poor to be able to travel to richer areas. Richer communities also influence the design and location of major highways, usually routing them through poorer areas in other to relocate those who lived there to other areas, effectively segregating them in specific areas away from the rich.

Schindler also uses examples of city design, such as the use of one way streets and lack of road signs. The use of one way streets may reduce traffic flow, but they also have been used to direct traffic flow away from particularly richer areas. When cities implement one way streets and remove road signs, it can be very difficult to navigate to and around the city in question. By making it difficult to travel to and from the city and confusing to navigate within the city, the chance that tourists and minorities will visit are very slim, leaving those of the higher class segregated from them.

Osborne Junction. Commonly known as Confusion Corner.

(Osborne Junction. Commonly known as Confusion Corner.)

Regardless of the reason provided for designing the infrastructure the way it is, the motive is always the same. Schindler identifies this modern day method of legal segregation and discrimination as architectural exclusion.

Bibliography 

Schindler, Sarah.“Architectural Exclusion: Discrimination And Segregation Through Physical Design Of The Built Environment.” Yale Law Journal 124.6 (2015): 1934-1972. Academic Search Complete. Web. 20 Nov. 2015.

2,154 thoughts on “Summary of Architectural Exclusion: Discrimination And Segregation Through Physical Design Of The Built Environment”

  1. Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem together with your
    website in internet explorer, may test this? IE nonetheless
    is the marketplace chief and a big portion of other folks will miss
    your magnificent writing because of this problem.

    my webpage … free games online

    Reply

  6. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something which I think I
    would never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me.
    I am looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the
    hang of it!

    Feel free to visit my webpage :: ตารางแข่งบอล

    Reply

  9. Experience the thrill of live online games with real dealers and immersive gameplay. From blackjack to roulette, enjoy the authentic game atmosphere from the comfort of your home. Don’t miss out on the action! live game

    Reply

  24. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I
    could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter
    updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some
    time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with
    something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything.
    I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

    Here is my site :: libgen alternative

    Reply

  26. Hurrah! In the end I got a weblog from where I be able
    to really get useful information concerning my study and knowledge.

    Also visit my web site … url

    Reply

  29. With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or
    copyright infringement? My website has a lot of completely
    unique content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it seems a lot
    of it is popping it up all over the web without my
    agreement. Do you know any methods to help prevent content from being ripped off?
    I’d definitely appreciate it.

    my blog 먹튀검증

    Reply

  30. In an increasingly competitive world, both personal and professional performance have become paramount.

    Many individuals seek to enhance their capabilities through various
    supplements and health products.

    Feel free to visit my blog; Buy Vigor Pump

    Reply

  31. cricket-id is the most dynamic identifier provider for gaming, allowing you
    to enter the world of betting with various lotus365 win.
    we in any case ask you to provide your username and password
    at whatsapp or any other communication channel.

    Reply

  39. Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and
    wanted to mention that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
    In any case I’ll be subscribing for your feed and
    I am hoping you write again soon!

    Look at my blog post – elf box vape flavors

    Reply

  46. When the draw interval ends, there is a compensation interval where you
    repay each curiosity and the quantity borrowed.

    Here is my homepage: Ezloan

    Reply

  47. I do not know if it’s just me or if perhaps everybody else experiencing problems with your site.
    It appears as if some of the text in your content are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know
    if this is happening to them too? This may be a issue with my internet browser because I’ve had this happen before.
    Thank you

    Also visit my web page Al Fakher disposable vape

    Reply

  50. In today’s world, discussions around men’s health are increasingly important as societies recognize the need for holistic wellness.
    One instrumental device that has garnered attention in the scope of
    men’s sexual health is the Vigor Pump
    Male.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *