That's an excellent and often overlooked question! Yes, many contemporary urban benches are specifically designed with features to manage water drainage after rainfall. This isn't just about comfort; it's a crucial aspect of durability, maintenance, and creating usable public spaces year-round.
The most common feature is the use of slatted or grated seating surfaces. Instead of a solid, flat plank, benches are constructed with gaps between individual slats. This allows rainwater to pass directly through the seat instead of pooling on top. You'll often see this in benches made of wood, recycled plastic, or metal.
Beyond the slats, the overall shape and slope are key. Designers incorporate a slight downward tilt or curvature in the seating surface. This gentle slope encourages water to run off quickly towards the edges or designated channels, rather than collecting in the middle.
Material choice is also a form of drainage engineering. Permeable materials like certain types of treated wood or specially formulated concretes allow for some moisture absorption and evaporation, reducing surface water. Additionally, many benches are elevated on legs or a frame, ensuring air can circulate underneath to promote drying and prevent moisture from being trapped against the ground.
In more advanced urban designs, benches can even contribute to stormwater management. They might be positioned over permeable pavers or rain gardens, directing runoff into the soil to recharge groundwater rather than overwhelming sewer systems.
So, the next time you see a bench after a storm, take a closer look. Those slats, angles, and material choices are all thoughtful design elements working to give you a dry place to sit, extend the bench's lifespan, and help our cities handle rainwater more intelligently.