NYC’s ‘Chelsea’ Bench Keeps Strangers at a Comfortable Distance

By Bucky Turco | October 21, 2011 - 10:29AM

The Department of Traffic has begun its rollout of 1000 new benches. The stylish street furniture was “inspired by the constant movement and urban rhythms of New York City,” according to industrial designer Ignacio Ciocchini.

Unlike the traditional wood benches found in the city, these are made from carbon steel, making them easier to maintain, but more importantly, they were devised to alleviate some of the pet peeves held by many New Yorkers:

[T]he three seats on each bench feature generous proportions to accommodate a wide range of people, and make sure people aren’t forced to sit too close together, a the most common complaint about public seating. The benches also allow for users to place a small bag next to them without taking up another seat, solving the second most common complaint.

Here’s some video of Ciocchini talking about the exclusive benches.