Thank you for asking this important question. It shows a lot of empathy and concern for your community. The issue you're pointing to is often referred to as "hostile architecture" or "defensive design." Yes, certain modifications to public benches are intentionally implemented to discourage people from lying down or sleeping on them for extended periods.
Common features include adding individual armrests between seats, creating curved or slanted surfaces, or using segmented seating that makes stretching out impossible. Proponents argue these designs prevent benches from being monopolized for sleeping, ensuring they are available for their primary purpose: sitting. They also cite concerns about maintenance, public safety, and hygiene in certain areas.
However, this practice is highly controversial. Critics, including many urban planners and social advocates, argue that it's a punitive approach that criminalizes homelessness without addressing its root causes like lack of affordable housing and mental health services. Instead of providing support, it makes life even more difficult for vulnerable individuals by removing the few places they might find temporary rest. It transforms public furniture from a place of respite into a tool of exclusion.
Ultimately, the presence of such designs sparks a deeper conversation about how we want our shared public spaces to function. Should they be strictly regulated for single-use efficiency, or should they be inclusive and accommodating, especially for those with nowhere else to go? The answer often reflects a community's broader values towards compassion and social responsibility. While you may see these specific bench designs, many cities are now reevaluating such policies in favor of more holistic, housing-first solutions to homelessness.