zerland, can explain. The bench may be halfway between the shopping centre and bus stop or on a steep incline. “Some people, especially the elderly, need somewhere to catch their breath and take a break,” explains Leuba, thus alluding to another purpose of the bench: people need to be able to move around town on foot. That includes older people, families with children, the sick, people with injuries or disabilities and the people accompanying them. These pedestrians need somewhere to sit. Benches add cohesiveness to districts and let people recharge their batteries. Renate Albrecher refers to benches as filling stations for pedestrians. Part of mobility planning Jenny Leuba has designed bench placement concepts in several cities and municipalities in Switzerland and, in doing so, has come to an astonishing realisation. Although a bench costs between up to five thousand Swiss francs, the authorities do not know how many benches are in their city. She believes this is because of the arbitrary allocation of responsibility for squares, parks and streets. “There is no department responsible for public areas, so we’re lacking that overview.” That is also why benches tend to be overlooked in mobility planning. “There is no one to lobby for benches,” laments Albrecher. The three experts agree that most cities have potential for expanding their bench network. Moreover, they argue that benches are not in the places in which they would be most used, for example in residential areas where many old people live: “The further you go from the centre, the fewer benches you find.” Conflicting needs Wood is Renate Albrecher’s favourite material. Most people also prefer wood, according to surveys. However, city councils prefer something longer-lasting and resistant to vandalism, and possibly even with the ability to stop cars. Hence the prevalence of concrete and metal. However, it’s hard for senior citizens to stand up when seated on a block of concrete and metal is too hot in summer and too cold in winter. How can public areas, which “by definition belong to everyone”, as Sabina Ruff points out, be accessible to everyone at any time of night or day? The key is participation. Albrecher has developed a straightforward browser app as part of a European research project that has been tested in Munich as well as in other places. It is a success: “People who use benches and don’t normally contribute to things like this also cooperated.” District inspections are being organised in Swiss cities at the instigation of Health PromoRenate Albrecher, founder and president of the association in support of benches in Switzerland (Verein zur Förderung der Schweizer Bankkultur) finds wood the best material for benches. In fact, most bench users prefer wood. Photo: François Wavre, Lundi13 Swiss Review / October 2023 / No.5 11
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