Bench
A bench is a long seat that can accommodate several people simultaneously. A bench can be backless, armless or both. It can also be used indoors, outdoors or both, depending on its design and construction.
Early benches were made from materials such as stone, wood, earth or straw. During the 13th century, backless stone benches might be located inside the porch of a church or along the walls of a nave. Eventually, benches were brought into the centre of the nave of the church. These benches were often movable and later became fixed to the floor. These types of benches were sometimes called pews.
For more information, see Pew.
With manufacturing advances, materials such as cast iron were also used to make benches. Modern benches can be made from aluminium, concrete, fibreglass, steel, recycled plastic and other synthetic materials.
Modern benches in public areas are sometimes designed in a manner that deters certain types of behaviour other than sitting. This form of hostile architecture keeps people from doing things such as skateboarding, lying down and so on.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding..
Comments
[edit] To make a comment about this article, or to suggest changes, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.