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Benches placed along the street play an important role in offering rest for people with limited mobility and supporting social interaction within the neighborhood. This project began in order to highlight the importance of such benches and to bring attention to the wide variety of seating found throughout the neighborhood. (These included not only public park benches installed by the city, but also backrest chairs and plastic stools placed by residents, and even wooden decks attached to railings.)

Before launching the implementation phase, we interviewed urban designers, community activists, and local residents to gather questions and diverse opinions about public benches. Based on these insights, we planned an action project comprising a community survey, a participatory campaign, and trial installations.

Through this process, we discovered not only official public benches but also resident-installed seating, and created a 'Bench-Marking Map' to document them. We also organized two participatory campaigns to share the findings and foster dialogue around seating in public space. The project concluded with the temporary installation of benches in selected locations where residents’ input was most active—using designs that reflected the community’s preferences.

This project was supported by the Beautiful Foundation, and the entire process was documented in a booklet of the same title.

go to the research

✸ Who are public benches for, and where are they placed?

✸ A benchmarking map showing benches placed on the streets!

Graphic design: Boinda studio

✸ Where do you think benches should be placed in our neighborhood?

photo: Onik Lim

✸ Let's talk together about benches and rest in streets!