You've asked a very specific and interesting question about outdoor benches. Yes, benches with a slanted or slightly angled seat are a real and intentional design feature. These are often referred to as "anti-sleep benches" or are categorized under the broader term "hostile architecture.
The primary purpose of a slanted seat is indeed to discourage people from lying down and sleeping on the bench for extended periods. While a standard flat bench is comfortable for sitting, its design can be easily adapted for sleeping. The slanted surface makes it unstable and uncomfortable to lie on, effectively preventing this use without making it unpleasant for short-term sitting.
This design is commonly implemented in urban public spaces, such as bus stops, train stations, and parks, by municipalities or property managers. The goal is often to maintain a certain flow of pedestrian traffic, deter loitering, and reduce the presence of homeless individuals sleeping in public areas. It's important to acknowledge that this approach is a subject of significant ethical debate, criticized for addressing social issues like homelessness through punitive design rather than supportive solutions.
If you are considering such benches for a private or commercial property, it's crucial to weigh both the functional intent and the social message this choice sends. For public seating focused purely on comfort and accessibility without these restrictive features, many alternative ergonomic and flat-seat bench designs are available. We hope this clarifies the purpose and context of slanted-seat outdoor benches for you.