Strategy 3.1
Seating
Accessible seating diagram. Illustration: Happy Cities
3.1.1
Create accessible seating
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Ensure that seat heights are 430-480 millimetres above ground level.
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Create a solid surface directly in front of the bench to allow easy access with a mobility device.
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Provide diverse seating options for those with limited mobility or hearing and vision loss (i.e., located away from loud noise sources and at 90° angles to another seat for ease of social interaction).
In Sweden, Street Moves builds seating, planter boxes, and bike racks in parking spots. Photo: Alexander Ståhle
3.1.2
Provide familiar and usable seating
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Include armrests and a backrest.
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Offer seating with a traditional “bench” shape to ensure that people can easily recognize it as a place to rest.
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Design seating using sturdy and warm materials, such as wood.
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Provide opportunities for someone to preview the space before choosing to sit there.
Benches are placed regularly along a walking path in a Montreal park. Photo: Emma Avery
3.1.3
Place seating frequently and strategically
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Place seating every 100 metres at a minimum in public spaces.
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Include seating along uphill paths and decision points (such as junctions) to provide an area for people living with dementia to rest and orient themselves.
Seating is crucial for people with limited mobility who need to rest frequently. In addition, well-designed seating areas can serve as a destination for people living with dementia, encouraging physical activity and increasing opportunities for social connection.
Actions under this strategy:
Shaded bench seating under a trellis with vines. Photo: Cesar Rubio / David Baker Architects.
3.1.4
Provide shaded and sheltered seating
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Offer sheltered seating options.
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Use trees or other architectural elements, such as a gazebo or trellis with vines, to provide shelter and enclosure for seating areas.
Accessible seating overlooking a public garden in Malmö. Photo: La Citta Vita / Flickr
3.1.5
Co-locate seating with interesting features
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Provide seating near areas of activity, such as playgrounds, water features, community gardens, and dog parks.
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Provide seating near places to buy food or drinks, such as coffee or ice cream.
Prominent seating along a linear park in Clayton, Missouri. Photo: Alice Webb / Land Perspectives Blog
3.1.6
Ensure that seating is easy to find
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Ensure that seating is easily visible from walking routes.
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Provide a map or signage showing seating availability in public spaces.
