From classic garden styles to modern constructions, a bench is so much more than a place to rest

Often unnoticed but always accommodating of anyone who wishes to stop and sit, the humble bench graces public parks, city squares, and rural and coastal footpaths. A steadfast structure, it represents many things to many people – aspot to rest for the weary, a place to watch the world go by for the curious, an area of reflection for the bereaved. In the aftermath of national lockdowns, it also became a symbol of unity as people emerged from confinement to be reunited with friends and family in outdoor spaces that allowed for social distancing. But street furniture has long played a vital role in mental, physical and social wellbeing, especially in urban areas.

Valuable benefits

Its importance was highlighted in Manifesto for the Good Bench, a six-point proclamation that drew on the findings of a 2015 London-based research study, The Bench Project, to promote the value and significance of street furniture in urban neighbourhoods. Produced by the Universities of Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam and Sussex, in collaboration with community organisations, The Bench Project reported that the everyday act of sitting on a bench for free – and for as long as needed – had many benefits for both solitary reflection and social interaction.