Hostile Architecture
This advanced C1 ESL lesson explores hostile architecture and its impact on public life in modern cities. Students begin by reflecting on urban problems through thought-provoking statements about accessibility, comfort, and design. They analyze striking real-life images, describe them in detail, and discuss the emotions and messages behind each structure. The lesson includes a vocabulary focus with 10 target words, a video-based activity from The New York Times, sequencing and timeline exercises, and authentic online comments for analysis. It concludes with discussion and group work tasks where students act as urban designers proposing inclusive solutions for public spaces.
💡 Teaching tip: Send your students a podcast recap after class. Listening to the material again feels way less like studying and way more like a friendly review that actually helps them remember and feel more confident.
Student's Version (Light/Dark)
Teacher's Version (Answer Keys)
Printable Classroom Version (A4)
| Level | Vocabulary | Video Length | Lesson Time |
| C1 / Advanced | 10 words | 2:49 min | 60 min |
Vocabulary
- Fade
- Roll out
- Leaning bench
- Hostile
- Moldable
- Spike
- Infamous
- At the expense of
- Stark feature
- Respite
Contents
- Lead-in
- Vocabulary preview
- Definitions
- Video
- Questions
- Sequencing
- Timeline
- Comments
- Practice
- Discussion
- Group work
Teaching guide
Lead-in
The lesson opens with five thought-provoking statements about modern city problems. Students reflect on their own city realities: discussing issues such as car-centered planning, poor accessibility, or infrastructure failures, and explain their reasoning. They move beyond hostile architecture to consider how design shapes daily life and equality in urban spaces. Then, students analyze three powerful images of hostile architecture. They describe what they see, how each space feels, and what purpose or message the design might serve. As an optional extension, learners write or present a full descriptive analysis of one image, using precise vocabulary and speculative language.
Vocabulary preview, Definitions
Students review 10 key terms (e.g., hostile, moldable, respite, spike, infamous) and check their familiarity. Unknown words are explored through clear definitions, real-life examples, and guided explanation, helping learners prepare for the video task.
Video, Questions
Students put 12 sentences in chronological order to reconstruct the video narrative, reinforcing listening and comprehension skills. Then, they analyze four screenshots showing historical bench designs (from the open Central Park settee to modern leaning benches) to discuss how public design changed. Finally, they read authentic online comments and respond, agreeing or disagreeing with real public opinions.
Practice
Two activities help consolidate vocabulary and collocations. First, learners answer six questions focused on word usage and meaning. Next, they rewrite 10 sentences using advanced lesson vocabulary, improving lexical precision and flexibility.
Discussion, Group work
The lesson ends with two productive speaking tasks. In the first, students debate whether public spaces should provide equal access for everyone, including homeless individuals. In the second, a creative group work task, students act as urban designers. Using a real Reddit link, they identify examples of hostile architecture and propose practical redesigns that make public areas more inclusive and humane.
Podcast
The podcast is AI-generated audio discussion centered on the lesson topic. Featuring clear, high-quality voices, it’s designed as an optional study tool. Students may listen before class for preview purposes or after class for reinforcement, based on their learning preferences.
