Yes, the issue of loitering is a common urban challenge, and a specific design approach has emerged in response. You are referring to what is often termed "hostile architecture" or "defensive design." These are public benches intentionally designed to be uncomfortable for prolonged sitting or sleeping, thereby encouraging people to move along after a short rest.
Common designs include benches with individual armrests dividing the seat into separate segments, preventing anyone from lying down. Others feature sloped seats, unusual angles, or cold, hard materials like metal or stone that become unpleasant over time. Some have added bars, bumps, or partitions for the same deterrent effect.
These designs are frequently found in transit stations, outside storefronts, and in parks where persistent loitering or sleeping is considered a problem by authorities or business owners. The primary goal is to maintain public order, reduce congregation, and discourage overnight stays without an outright ban on sitting.
However, this practice is highly controversial. Critics argue that such designs are anti-homeless and unfriendly to all citizens, especially the elderly or those who simply need a longer rest. They suggest it treats a social symptom (like homelessness) with a punitive architectural solution, rather than addressing root causes like housing shortages.
While effective for their intended purpose, these benches spark an important debate about who public space is for and how cities balance management with inclusivity and compassion.