21 june 2026
two related thoughts
on a lengthy walk yesterday, this one was reminded that hostile architecture also includes more than just seating and restroom options/choices; it also includes places of leisure, rest locations, parking arrangements, walkability, shading, water access, nutrition, and, most importantly, safety. depending on location these individual measures of prominence or suitability varies, and the places we're comfortable with, the outlook is thankfully neutral, if not a little more hostile than otherwise. the greater locale around it, however, is worse, and perhaps it's best that this one can believe that an area can be considered neutral in our, granted, very biology-focused rulebook when dictating a place based on how manufactured structures best support or harm a place around that object.
in a particular area, there are benches that are produced by recycling industrial parts used nearby. they offer shade by way of their intended use, and within it is a seating choice without handlebars or other intrusions, however walled on both ends. despite this interesting recycling choice (that also provides an opportunity for art display!) nearby benches are riddled with polygonal seating, non-rectangular benches, spiky railings, and sporadic trash cans. there are also myriad shops, but good luck finding something cheap let alone free. nature, by and large, so desperately tries to remain unimpeded. sprawled-out residential zoning is relatively poor in this factorbut there are a good amount of lots that aren't just grassy meadows. biodiversity is relatively low when things get larger than a member of Accipitriformes, and water pollution is a little concerning. the grassy meadows, though. they're artificually laid "natural" sturdy turf that is good for busy events, relaxation, and large open space. but where are the trees? the trees are important: they provide shade, they reinforce air quality, they provide coastal defense, they support biodiversity, and some of them are so darn pretty. why choose to get rid of them?
capitalism. the month of june holds a special place in our heart. it is the month when it discovered it was transgender, but it is also the month associated with myriad other positive things for the keilar. in light of this, its joy also bring with it a reminder that, really, all it lives in must be some money-driven hierarchy ... at least it's advertising for marginalized groups. what, the insurance companies don't deserve to get a bite of the cash? get real, these people need healthcare! /s
as such, the trees were exploited, eventually removed, to grow a fake reality from the ground into an area that can be used for commercial operations. in its place is a hot bed of green that must be kept up at the cost of water, further driving pollution. while it is a place to run, fall, roll, and gaze at, at its core it is a testament to greed, exploitation, disruption, and love— perhaps in the wrong direction, though.