Your concern about loitering in public spaces is a common challenge for many communities and property managers. In response, specific design strategies for outdoor benches and street furniture have been developed, often categorized under terms like "hostile architecture" or "defensive design." The primary goal is to subtly discourage prolonged lying down or sleeping while maintaining functionality for legitimate short-term sitting.
Common design features include adding individual armrests between seating spaces to prevent someone from lying across the bench. Another approach is creating benches with slightly slanted or curved surfaces, making it uncomfortable to rest for extended periods. Some designs incorporate segmented, individual seats rather than one long, flat surface. Materials like thermally conductive metals can also be used, making benches uncomfortably cold or hot depending on the weather.
It's important to acknowledge the significant ethical debate surrounding these designs. Critics argue that they solve a symptom (visible homelessness) rather than addressing root causes like housing affordability and social services. They can make public spaces less comfortable for everyone, including the elderly or pregnant. Proponents, however, see them as a necessary tool for maintaining order, ensuring accessibility, and discouraging behavior that can negatively impact local businesses and public safety.
Ultimately, the decision involves weighing management goals against social responsibility. While these bench designs can be part of a broader strategy, many urban planners suggest they should be considered alongside compassionate, long-term solutions to homelessness.