Thank you for reaching out. This is a common challenge many cities and property managers face, balancing the need for public seating with preventing benches from being used for overnight sleeping. The goal is to find solutions that are effective yet maintain dignity for all.
Yes, several design approaches can gently discourage lying down while still providing comfortable seating for legitimate users. Here are some humane and functional options:
1. Divided Benches: Incorporating individual armrests or partitions between seating positions naturally prevents a person from lying flat across the bench. This is one of the most common and subtle methods.
2. Angled or Curved Seats: Designing benches with a slight inward curve or a gentle slope on the seating surface makes lying down uncomfortable and unstable, without compromising the sitting experience.
3. Central Armrests: Adding a central armrest breaks the bench into distinct seating zones. This is effective and also provides support for elderly or mobility-impaired users when sitting down or standing up.
4. Strategic Backrest Design: While full backrests are comfortable, segmented or slanted backrests can deter lying down. Some designs feature backrests that only cover the upper back, leaving the lower area open.
5. Materials and Finishes: Using materials that are less insulating or become uncomfortable over time (such as certain metals) can be a passive deterrent. However, comfort for daytime users must be considered.
It's crucial to approach this with a mindset of "Unpleasant to Lie On, But Pleasant to Sit On." The most successful designs integrate these features subtly, preserving the aesthetic of the public space. We recommend consulting with a specialized urban furniture designer who can tailor a solution that fits your specific environment, values, and community needs, ensuring your public spaces remain welcoming and functional for everyone during active hours.