Determining the right number of benches for a plaza involves both science and art. Start by calculating your plaza's total area in square feet or meters. Most urban planning guidelines recommend providing seating for 15-30% of the plaza's maximum capacity at any given time.
For preliminary planning, use the standard ratio of 1 linear meter of seating per 10-30 square meters of public space. This means for a 500 square meter plaza, you'd need approximately 17-50 meters of total seating. Since typical benches are about 1.8-2 meters long, this translates to roughly 8-25 benches.
Consider these key factors: your plaza's primary purpose (transit hub vs. destination space), expected peak usage times, and local demographics. Transit plazas may need fewer benches as people don't linger long, while recreational plazas require more seating for relaxation.
Don't forget practical considerations: maintain clear pathways (minimum 1.8 meters wide), ensure benches don't block emergency access, and create natural gathering spots. Cluster some benches to encourage social interaction while placing others in quieter areas for solitude.
Remember to consult local accessibility requirements, which often mandate that 5-10% of seating must be accessible for wheelchair users. The perfect bench arrangement balances function with aesthetics, creating an inviting space that serves your community's needs.