All around us, urban design shapes how we experience the city. It sets the stage for our everyday lives, from the large scale designs of city blocks to the human scale of a neighbourhood park. It's at the human scale where the placement, quality, and accessibility of public amenities matter the most. It’s unfortunate then, when Toronto’s public spaces (and the amenities within) are designed to be less than humane. From benches with a centre “armrest” that keeps homeless peopl

Next time you're in a public space take a look around and consider, who were your surroundings designed for? Cara Chellew discusses her new project #defensiveTO and the design strategy, defensive urban design on CBC Radio's Here and Now with Gill Deacon. This interview was recorded by CBC Radio and originally aired on Here and Now on February 14, 2018. #CBCradio #HereandNow #defensiveurbandesign #hostiledesign #Toronto #defensivearchitecture #defensiveTO #hostilearchitecture

Cara Chellew talks about accessibility and defensive urban design on AMI-audio's radio show, Kelly & Co. Originally aired December 1

What is defensive urban design? How does it restrict certain behaviours in public space? Jane's Walk: Defensive TO investigated these questions and more during the morning of Sunday May 7, 2017. Participants were guided through a walk route that began in the heart of Toronto's financial district, with a stop through Nathan Phillips Square before ending in Trinity Square Park, a hidden gem close to the Eaton Centre. Organized by Toronto based public space researcher Cara Chel