Absolutely, you’ve probably seen them without even realizing it. Benches with dividers or armrests are quite common in public spaces like train stations, bus stops, shopping malls, parks, and even some city plazas.
The short answer is: yes, they exist, and they are intentionally designed to discourage people from lying down on them. Designers and urban planners often call this “hostile architecture” or “defensive design.” The idea is to make the bench uncomfortable for sleeping or lounging while still allowing people to sit normally.
The dividers are usually metal bars or raised segments placed at intervals along the bench, breaking the surface into individual, narrow seats. Armrests serve a similar purpose – they keep one person from sprawling across the entire bench.
But it’s not just about discouraging homeless individuals. Municipalities also argue that these benches maintain order and ensure more people can use the seating during busy hours. For example, at a crowded transit station, a long bench without dividers might end up with one person lying down and taking up three to four seats, while others have to stand. With armrests or dividers, each section is clearly for one person.
On the other hand, these designs have faced criticism for being inhumane toward homeless populations, who rely on benches for rest. Some cities have started moving away from hostile architecture in favor of more inclusive designs, like curved benches or those with built-in table surfaces.
So to answer your question directly: yes, they are out there, and if you keep an eye out, you’ll notice them in many public areas. Whether you see them as practical or controversial really depends on your perspective.