Yes, absolutely. In fact, this is a well-documented and intentionally designed feature of many cities around the world. These benches are a prime example of what is often called "hostile architecture" or "defensive urban design.
The goal isn't to make the bench less comfortable for sitting—it's specifically engineered to make it impossible to lie down on. The most common design features you'll see are:
* Divided Seats: Imagine a bench with a single, continuous seat. Now imagine that same bench broken into multiple smaller seats by metal armrests. Those armrests are placed strategically—often at intervals that prevent a person from stretching out their legs and torso. You can sit, you can perch, but you cannot lie flat.
* Sloped or Rounded Seats: Some benches are designed with a convex or slanted surface, making it impossible to stay on the bench without constantly sliding off. It's comfortable for a quick sit, but a nightmare for sleep.
* Absurdly Narrow Seats: Benches that are just a few inches wide are common. You can perch on the edge for a moment, but they offer no space to lie down safely.
* Central Armrests: A single armrest right in the middle is a classic. It completely bisects the bench, ensuring that no one can lie down across the entire length.
These designs are not accidental. City planners, business improvement districts, and private property owners commission them with the explicit, unspoken goal of "moving along" people who are experiencing homelessness. They are a form of social control, prioritizing a certain aesthetic of public space over the basic human need for rest.
The problem is, these benches don't solve homelessness. They just make it more invisible and punishing. They send a clear message: "You are not welcome here to rest, even for a moment." The debate around them is intense. Proponents argue they keep public spaces clean, safe, and usable for everyone. Critics, including urban planners and human rights advocates, argue they are cruel, ineffective, and a symptom of a city failing to address the root causes of homelessness, like the lack of affordable housing, mental health support, and living wages.
So, the next time you see a bench with an awkward central armrest or a strangely curved surface, you’ll know its true purpose. It’s not a design flaw. It’s a choice.