That's an excellent question that touches on urban design, public space management, and social responsibility. As a public space planner, I can offer recommendations, but I also believe it's crucial to consider the broader implications of such designs, often called "hostile" or "defensive" architecture.
For discouraging sleeping, common design features include:
* Individual Armrests: Adding central and multiple armrests divides the bench into single seats, preventing anyone from lying down.
* Sloped or Angled Seating: A slightly slanted surface makes lying flat uncomfortable and unstable.
* Segmented Seating: Using individual, separated chairs or concrete blocks instead of one long bench.
* Cold, Hard Materials: Metal or reinforced materials that are uncomfortable for extended periods, especially in cold weather.
To deter skateboarding (often called "skatestoppers"), features include:
* Metal Knobs or Deterrents: Small, welded metal pieces on edges and ledges to prevent grinds and slides.
* Rounded or Inclined Edges: Removing the sharp, 90-degree angles that skateboarders need for tricks.
* Bench End Armrests: Extended armrests that block the bench ends from being used as a launch or trick point.
* Strategic Placement: Installing benches away from smooth, hard surfaces like plazas or adding textured paving around them.
However, I must add a critical perspective. While these solutions address immediate maintenance and order concerns, they are often criticized for being exclusionary. They can make public spaces less comfortable for everyone, including the elderly or those needing a longer rest. A more holistic approach involves providing adequate public facilities, such as public restrooms, shelters, and designated skate parks, to address the root behaviors rather than just their symptoms. The goal should be creating inclusive, welcoming, yet durable and functional public spaces for all legitimate users.