Thank you for your question. It's a topic that touches on urban design, social policy, and public space management. Yes, such benches do exist and are a specific example of what is often termed "hostile," "defensive," or "deterrent" architecture.
You'll find benches intentionally designed with individual metal armrests dividing the seating space, making it impossible to lie down. Others may have sloped seats, small segmented seats, or even subtle bumps. To deter skateboarding, ledges and bench edges are frequently fitted with metal knobs, ridges, or skate stoppers—small, clipped-on metal pieces that prevent the smooth grind of a skateboard truck.
The primary stated purpose from municipalities and businesses is maintenance of order and safety. The goal is to discourage long-term occupancy for sleeping, which can be associated with homelessness, and to prevent damage to property from skateboarding, reducing liability and repair costs. Proponents argue it ensures benches are available for their intended use: sitting briefly.
However, this approach is deeply controversial. Critics label it as "anti-homeless" architecture, arguing it addresses symptoms rather than root causes like housing shortages. It's seen by many as inhumane, making life harder for vulnerable populations. Regarding skateboarding, some argue it pushes youth away from public spaces instead of providing designated areas for their activity.
Alternatives are gaining traction. Some cities invest in robust, comfortable, but clearly time-limited seating, coupled with supportive social services. Others create public skate parks. The conversation is shifting toward inclusive design that welcomes all legitimate uses while managing space through social means, not just physical barriers.
So, while benches designed to discourage these activities are a reality, they represent a complex and often contentious choice in how we shape our shared environments.