Defensive Architecture

I want to move this project into a more architectural direction, that assisted knife idea was too easily resolvable and didnt have much scope in my opinion. I looked back over my sketchbook and want to create a defensive architectural weapon.

I have recently been looking at http://www.interactivearchitecture.org/ which is an incredible site, prepare to be distracted for about 2 hours if you click the link! dont say I didn't warn you :)

I came across this article in the older posts: http://www.interactivearchitecture.org/nicholas-szczepaniak-a-defensive-architecture.html which is about defensive architecture, I found it interesting that structure can be classified as a weapon, and tried to think of other examples of architectural weapons. After a brainstorm, the portcullis ("A portcullis is a latticed grille or gate made of wood, metal or a combination of the two. Portcullises fortified the entrances to many medieval castles") and drawbridge were the 2 examples that really got me intrigued to find out more. I like the way how a portcullis is concealed and hidden and then appears when needed and think that there could be something in that concept, that would make an interesting architectural feature.

Also saw this short dialogue between two people in the comments section of Nicholas Szczepaniak - A Defensive Architecture article:

- “Knowledge is of no value without an application. And why do we apply knowledge? – To improve our quality of life. Architecture is meant to be inhabited by humans and enhance their quality of life.”

- "Really? thats a pretty limited scope"

Really got me thinking... still not sure what I think about that, very thought provoking...