Yes, benches can absolutely be designed to discourage lying down, and in fact, this is already a common practice in urban furniture design. The key is to incorporate physical features that make lying down uncomfortable or impossible while still allowing people to sit normally. Here are the most effective design strategies that real-world examples use today:
1. Armrests at the center. Instead of armrests only at both ends, placing one or more armrests in the middle of a bench breaks the flat surface into separate sections. This prevents anyone from stretching out fully. Even a single central armrest can effectively divide the bench into two sittable segments. Some cities even use armrests at intervals of about 45 cm (18 inches) – close enough to block lying down but not too cramped for a single person.
2. Curved or sloped surfaces. A bench that slopes downward from the front edge to the back makes it tricky to find a comfortable lying position. Alternatively, using a convex (domed) shape means the middle is higher, forcing a lying person to roll off. Both designs remain functional for sitting because sitters naturally perch on the front half.
3. Short bench length. Benches shorter than a typical person's height (under 150 cm / 5 ft) naturally block full-body lying down. However, this also reduces seating capacity, so it's a trade-off often paired with adding more benches elsewhere.
4. Perch-style seats. Narrow ledges, leaning bars, or small individual seats (like those found in subway stations) are too small and unstable for lying but still allow brief rests. They encourage turnover but aren’t comfortable for long stays either.
5. Center dividers or humps. Some designs use a small raised bump in the middle of the bench surface, invisible to a sitter but preventing a flat stretch. For example, a gentle 5 cm (2-inch) rise in the center creates an obstacle for lying without affecting normal seating posture.
Real-world examples include benches in New York City subway stations and public plazas in London that use segmented seats or tilted surfaces. However, it’s important to note that while these designs are effective, they also draw criticism as “hostile architecture” because they can be seen as unfriendly to homeless individuals. Many urban planners today argue for a balanced approach: discourage lying down where it creates safety or hygiene issues, but also provide dedicated resting spaces or shelters. So yes, the answer is practical – but the ethics are up for debate.