That's an excellent and practical question about our everyday urban environment. The short answer is: while technically possible, customizing or removing armrests from public benches is generally not something individuals can do, but it's a valid consideration for city planners and designers.
Let's break this down. Those armrests, often called "hostile architecture" or "defensive design" elements, are intentionally installed by municipalities and property owners. Their primary stated purposes are to prevent lying down (which can discourage rough sleeping), to define individual seating spaces, and in some cases, to provide assistance for elderly or mobility-impaired users when sitting or standing. Simply removing them yourself would likely be considered vandalism of public property.
However, your question touches on a crucial aspect of inclusive urban design. The good news is that customization is absolutely possible at the procurement and planning stage. Cities and architects are increasingly rethinking bench design. When commissioning new street furniture, they can specify:
* Benches with removable or adjustable armrests.
* A mix of benches with and without armrests within a park or streetscape.
* Designs with intermittent, lower, or more comfortable armrests that provide support without being exclusionary.
* Alternative, more inclusive furniture like curved seating, wide perches, or leaning rails.
If you feel strongly about this, the most effective path is community engagement. Reach out to your local parks department, public works office, or city council. Advocate for a diversity of seating options that accommodate everyone—from those who need arm support to those who desire more flexible use of public space. The future of our benches lies in this kind of thoughtful, citizen-informed design.