Yes, you’ve hit on a very common and intentional feature in many cities. The armrest dividers you’ve seen on street benches are not just for comfort—they are a deliberate design choice often called "hostile architecture" or "defensive design." Their primary purpose is to prevent people from lying down or sleeping on the bench, by breaking the flat surface into separate, narrow sections.
Not all urban benches have this feature, but many in high-traffic public areas—like bus stops, parks near city centers, or train stations—do. The idea is to discourage loitering, camping, or sleeping, especially by homeless individuals. Some cities argue it helps maintain order, while critics say it unfairly targets the unhoused and reduces the function of public seating.
On the other hand, there are plenty of modern or "inclusive" urban benches that deliberately avoid such dividers. Some cities have started replacing them with wider, more comfortable designs that encourage people to sit, rest, or even lie down if needed. Others use curved or angled seating that still offers comfort without being anti-sleep.
So, to answer your question directly: yes, many urban benches come with armrest dividers as an anti-sleep measure. But not all do, and the trend is slowly shifting toward more humane and welcoming public furniture. If you’re looking for benches without them, check out newer or community-designed parks, where comfort and inclusivity are prioritized over control.