Paris, the forbidden city

Ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the chinese government demolished historic neighborhoods (“hutongs,” single-story houses) under the pretext of rehabilitating dangerous old homes. Residents were relocated, often far from the capital, making way for impersonal buildings for wealthier populations.

Since the early 2000s, Paris has introduced discreet but strategic urban designs, such as metal cones, shallow benches, or public chairs, now seen as anti-homeless architecture. These measures aim to deter the homeless from settling in public spaces, reflecting a societal divide and pushing them to city outskirts.

By the 2024 Paris Olympics, this practice escalated with measures like stone blocks under bridges along the opening ceremony route, prioritizing appearance over inclusivity.