URBAN BENCHES

That's an excellent and practical question about our urban furniture! Generally speaking, the armrests on standard public benches are not designed to be removed by the public. They are typically permanently fixed using bolts, welds, or other sturdy fasteners as a core part of the bench's structure. Their primary purposes are safety and accessibility: they provide crucial support for older adults and people with mobility issues to sit down and stand up safely, and they can help prevent people from lying down across the entire bench, which is often a deliberate design choice in urban settings to maintain access for all. However, if you are a city planner, property manager, or part of an organization with a specific need—like creating space for a wheelchair user or adapting seating for a special event—it is possible to source benches with specially designed, removable or fold-away armrests from certain manufacturers. For an existing fixed bench, modification would require professional assessment and work by municipal maintenance crews or a qualified contractor, as unauthorized removal could compromise structural integrity, create safety hazards, and void warranties. For flexible seating solutions, consider looking into modular bench systems or contacting your local public works department to discuss official accommodation requests.