As one of the Four Points of the Main Street Approach™, we talk a lot about how design in your community can improve and create attractive, usable public spaces. But, have you ever considered how certain public features may actually deter people from frequenting your downtown or shared spaces?

It even has a name, Unpleasant Design. Gordon Savičić and Selena Savić, co-editors of the book Unpleasant Design explain, “Design is something that is supposed to transmit a specific use, but it becomes problematic when we start excluding people because of design.”

Want to learn more? Check out the 99% Invisible (@99piorg) podcast on Unpleasant Design here: https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/unpleasant-design-hostile-urban-architecture/.