That's an excellent and thoughtful question. The short answer is: absolutely, yes. Benches can certainly be designed and manufactured without armrests in the middle specifically to allow someone to lie down. This design choice is often intentional and falls under the broader concept of inclusive or compassionate design in public spaces.
The traditional park bench with multiple armrests serves specific purposes: it provides support for sitting and standing, defines individual seating spaces, and can deter prolonged lying down, which is often a policy aimed at preventing homelessness or loitering in certain areas. However, removing the central armrest transforms the bench's function entirely. It becomes a potential resting spot for anyone needing to stretch out—a tired traveler, a person feeling unwell, a child, or simply someone wishing to gaze at the sky.
There are important considerations for such a design. From a social and policy perspective, some city planners may have concerns about encouraging overnight sleeping in public parks. From a practical standpoint, a long, uninterrupted bench surface might be less ergonomic for sitting for extended periods, as armrests offer support. Furthermore, without structural breaks, the bench might require a sturdier build to prevent sagging in the middle.
Alternatives are also worth mentioning. Some cities install "hostile architecture" like divided armrests to discourage lying down. Conversely, a more compassionate approach is to create dedicated, slightly curved "lying down benches" or public loungers in appropriate areas, or to provide more sheltered rest facilities. The decision ultimately reflects a community's values regarding public space, inclusivity, and care for its diverse occupants. So, while technically simple to produce, a bench without a middle armrest is more than a furniture specification—it's a statement about who and what public space is for.