That's an excellent and practical question about urban design! The answer isn't a simple yes or no, as it depends entirely on the specific bench's design, installation, and the city's maintenance strategy.
Many modern urban benches are indeed designed with occasional movement in mind. For routine street cleaning or seasonal reconfigurations of public spaces, cities often prefer benches that are sturdy yet manageable. You'll commonly find two approaches. First, benches with substantial but movable bases—they have significant weight to deter casual theft but can be lifted or tilted by a small crew with a hand truck. Second, benches that use ground anchors or bolt-down plates; these are secured for daily safety but can be unbolted with standard tools when necessary for deep cleaning or repairs.
However, not all benches are meant to be moved. Permanent, monumental benches made of massive concrete or stone are fixed installations. Their primary goal is durability and vandal-resistance, and moving them would require heavy machinery.
So, how can you tell? Look at the base. A bench with visible, standard-sized bolts or a simple concrete pad is likely designed for occasional disassembly. A bench that appears to be cast as one single, seamless piece with the sidewalk is probably permanent.
Ultimately, thoughtful cities balance permanence with practicality. They choose public furniture that provides a stable, welcoming seat for citizens while allowing maintenance crews to keep our shared spaces clean and adaptable. The best urban bench design quietly serves both people and the practical needs of city upkeep.