When specifying or selecting park benches, a common question arises: are armrests included, and are they truly necessary? The answer isn't a simple yes or no, as it depends heavily on the bench's intended use and location.
Armrests provide significant benefits. They offer crucial support for older adults and individuals with mobility issues, making sitting down and standing up safer and easier. This enhances accessibility and inclusivity in public spaces. For anyone, armrests contribute to prolonged comfort by reducing strain on the back and shoulders, allowing for a more relaxed posture.
However, armrests also have drawbacks. They can limit seating capacity, as they prevent people from sliding over to make extra room. In some contexts, they are intentionally used as a "hostile design" element to deter unhoused individuals from lying down on the bench. Their absence creates a more flexible, albeit less supportive, seating option.
So, are they necessary? For areas prioritizing accessibility, such as near senior centers, hospitals, or in tranquil gardens meant for leisurely sitting, armrests are a highly recommended, almost essential feature. For high-traffic areas like busy plazas or transit stops where maximizing seating and quick turnover is the goal, benches without armrests might be more practical.
Ultimately, the decision should be guided by the specific needs of the community and the space's primary function. A well-designed public area often features a mix of bench types to cater to diverse needs, ensuring comfort, accessibility, and efficient use for all.