You’ve probably seen them: park benches with a curved seat, or a metal bar running down the middle, making it impossible to lie down. These are not accidental designs. Yes, there are park benches specifically designed to deter homeless individuals from sleeping on them. This is part of what’s called “hostile architecture” or “defensive urban design.” The curved seat, often referred to as a “bum block,” creates a slope that makes sitting comfortable for a few minutes but sleeping or lying down extremely awkward and painful. Other designs include armrests deliberately placed at intervals to prevent lying across the bench, or even spikes on flat surfaces.
The intention is clear: to make public spaces seem “uninviting” to people who have no other place to rest. While cities argue this is for safety, cleanliness, or to prevent loitering, critics point out it punishes the most vulnerable. Many cities like Los Angeles, London, and Melbourne have installed these benches, but there’s been growing pushback from activists who call it cruel and ineffective. The real problem isn’t the bench design; it’s the lack of affordable housing and support services.
So, to answer your question directly: yes, curved-seat benches are a real thing, and they are part of a controversial trend. But there’s a human side to this urban furniture—one that asks us to think about what kind of city we want to live in. Inclusive design doesn’t mean everyone gets a flat bench; it means creating spaces where everyone, regardless of circumstance, can rest with dignity.