A bench in public spaces is much more than just a seat – all age groups use it in a wide variety of ways; for eating, watching, crying, sleeping, doing gymnastics, kissing, arguing, being silent. As soon as the days get warmer, everyone streams outside and often buys the right to sit with a mélange in the street café. Free seating is rare, and that’s why we should sing the praises of the classic bench in cities and their associated parks.