Your question about using a backless design for park benches to discourage sleeping touches on a common and often debated urban design strategy. The short answer is yes, it is not only possible but a practice implemented in various cities worldwide. Benches specifically designed without backs, or with segmented armrests, angled seats, or other features, make lying down uncomfortable or impossible. This falls under the category of "hostile architecture" or "defensive design.
The primary goal is to maintain benches for their intended purpose—brief sitting and rest—by preventing them from being used as beds for extended periods, particularly by individuals experiencing homelessness. Proponents argue it helps ensure public spaces remain accessible and orderly for all visitors.
However, this approach is highly controversial. Critics argue that it addresses a symptom (visible homelessness) rather than the root cause (lack of affordable housing and support services). It is seen by many as an inhumane way to manage public space, prioritizing aesthetics and perceived order over compassion for vulnerable populations. The design can also negatively impact the elderly, people with disabilities, or anyone who might benefit from back support for longer sitting.
Ultimately, while a backless or anti-sleeping bench design is a technically feasible solution to a specific problem, its implementation raises significant ethical questions. Communities are increasingly weighing the utility of such measures against their social impact, seeking a balance between maintaining public amenities and fostering an inclusive, empathetic urban environment.