Yes, such benches exist, and they fall under the controversial category of "hostile architecture" or "defensive design." Their primary purpose is to influence behavior in public spaces by making certain activities—like lying down or skateboarding—difficult or impossible.
A common design to discourage sleeping is the individual bench with multiple armrests. These armrests break the bench into single-seat segments, preventing anyone from lying flat. Other designs feature sloped seats, convex surfaces, or even small, isolated perches instead of long seating. To deter skateboarders, benches may have metal studs, knobs, or ledges attached to their edges and surfaces, making grinding and sliding impractical.
Proponents argue these measures ensure benches are used for their intended purpose—sitting—by preventing damage and maintaining order. Critics, however, see them as anti-homeless measures that weaponize public furniture against vulnerable populations, arguing they address symptoms rather than root causes like housing shortages. Similarly, skate deterrents are often viewed as overly punitive towards youth culture.
The debate around these benches touches on deeper questions about who public space is for and how cities manage social issues. While they are physically effective at their stated goals, their presence highlights a significant conflict in urban design philosophy.