Article Homeless Interactions with the Built Environment: A Spatial Pattern Language of Abandoned Housing Abram Kaplan 1, Kim Diver 2,*, Karl Sandin 3 and Sarah Kafer Mill 4 1 Environmental Studies Program, Denison University, Granville, OH 43023, USA;
[email protected] 2 Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT 06459, USA 3 Art History & Visual Culture Program, Denison University, Granville, OH 43023, USA;
[email protected] 4 Denison University, Granville, OH 43023, USA;
[email protected] * Correspondence:
[email protected] Received: 30 May 2019; Accepted: 22 June 2019; Published: 25 June 2019 Abstract: Research demonstrates that homeless individuals use urban space in adaptive and endemic ways. Investigations at city and neighborhood scales would benefit from attention to homeless use of abandoned housing. We employ the pattern language approach developed by Christopher Alexander for twenty-two abandoned houses in Newark, Ohio. We use statistical and geospatial data analyses to evaluate hypotheses related to prospect and refuge site qualities, accessibility, and attractiveness to homeless persons, and the proximity of sites to resources. Factors related to prospect/refuge, accessibility, and resource proximity were consistent with the hypotheses. Results can be grouped into four distinct patterns: ‘Hiding Places,’ ‘Welcome Mat,’ ‘Shelter (Un)becoming,’ and ‘Proximity to Resources.’ Based on these patterns, we conclude with recommendations for officials and organizations addressing homelessness. Keywords: abandoned housing; GIS; homeless; pattern language; urban space 1. Introduction Spaces in the built environment, when consciously designed, always have an intended audience: house dwellers, store shoppers, sidewalk users, and cars on a street. Inevitably, spaces bring unintended audiences as well: neighbors, unexpected shoppers, electric scooters, and autonomous cars.