The Uncomfortable Nature of Public Benches

Last edited Sep 12, 2022 ~3 minute read

Take a brief moment and compare these two scenes,

A bus-stop bench with restrictive seating design. — Figure 1: A Bus-stop bench, designed for people to... sit.

Roadside construction pillars used informally as seating. — Figure 2: A bunch of pillars left by the side of the road.

At first glance, the design of the bus stop seats might seem frustrating and ironic. In a bustling city like Dhaka, where public transportation is packed to the brim, why are there only two or three narrow seats? Just a few feet away, scattered construction pillars along the roadside comfortably accommodate dozens of people. Some wait for buses, while others simply rest.

It turns out, this is not just a Dhaka-specific issue - it is a design approach seen in cities around the world. The limited, uncomfortable seating is no accident. It is a practice known as defensive design, aimed at controlling how public spaces are used.

These seats are deliberately designed to prevent people from sitting for long periods, especially to deter homeless individuals from using them for shelter. While it may feel unethical or exclusionary at first glance, this design choice helps regulate public behavior, reducing the chance of misuse or loitering. In this case, the seats are meant for nothing more than giving tired legs a quick rest while waiting for a bus.

The irony here is striking. While the intended seating is restrictive, the leftover construction pillars have become an unintended resting spot, offering far more comfort and space than the bus stop seats themselves. Yet, these pillars were not meant to serve as seating in the first place. In fact, the informal use of these structures can be more vexing than the restrictive design of the bus stop.

Defensive design, while controversial, is a tool used by urban planners to prevent misuse of public spaces. By making certain areas less inviting for long-term stays, cities attempt to maintain order and reduce the risk of crime or improper use. So, next time you find yourself at a public bench that does not exactly invite you to get too comfortable, remember: it is probably designed that way on purpose.

TL;DR: Public seating is not always designed for comfort, but rather for control. Do not expect to get cozy on a bus stop bench anytime soon!