Yes, many street benches do include a middle armrest, and the primary reason is to prevent people from lying down on them. This design choice is often referred to as “hostile architecture” or “defensive design.” While it may seem like a simple feature to provide comfort for sitting, the placement of a fixed armrest in the center of a bench effectively breaks up the flat surface, making it nearly impossible for a person to stretch out horizontally.
Cities and businesses install these benches to discourage overnight sleeping or loitering, especially in high-traffic areas. The idea is to keep public spaces “usable” only for sitting, not for resting or sleeping. However, critics argue that this disproportionately affects homeless individuals, who rely on public benches as a rare place to rest. Some designers have since introduced more inclusive alternatives, such as curved benches or ones with individual seats, though the middle armrest remains a common sight in many urban areas.
So, while the armrest may look like a thoughtful addition for two people to sit comfortably, its real purpose is often far less welcoming.