Your concern about safety in public spaces is completely valid and shared by many. When it comes to bench design, the answer is a definitive yes—benches can and should be designed without concealed spaces underneath. Modern urban planning prioritizes "Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design" (CPTED) principles, which directly address this issue.
Traditional benches with large gaps or solid panels underneath can indeed create blind spots. Contemporary solutions feature several smart approaches. Many designers now use solid bases that extend to the ground or employ closely spaced slats that leave no room for concealment. Another popular option is the cantilevered bench, where the seat appears to float from a central or side-mounted support, leaving the ground beneath completely visible and accessible.
Material choice also plays a crucial role. Using transparent or perforated materials for structural elements can maintain visual openness. The placement and lighting around benches are equally important. Installing benches in well-lit, open areas with clear sightlines from surrounding buildings—a concept called "natural surveillance"—deters unsafe activities more effectively than any single design feature.
Ultimately, a safe bench design integrates form, function, and context. It provides comfortable seating while fostering an environment where people feel secure because they can see and be seen. This thoughtful approach to urban furniture demonstrates that public comfort and public safety are not competing goals, but can be seamlessly achieved together through intentional design.