Sitting is something we do without much thought. Yet, as humans, learning to sit is one of our first great milestones - a moment of balance, independence, and discovery. But soon after we master it, it’s not seen as an achievement anymore. It becomes second nature, something we do without noticing. And yet, in public space sitting is anything but insignificant. It shapes how we experience the world around us, how we interact with others, and how welcome we feel in a place.
A place to sit in a public space is more than just a piece of infrastructure - it’s an invitation. It tells people they are welcome to stay, to pause, to linger. Sitting allows us to observe our surroundings, to talk, to eat, to take a moment for ourselves. It creates opportunities for spontaneous encounters, the kind that turn strangers into acquaintances and public space into shared space. When we design for sitting, we design for connection - with others and ourselves, and there is no better way for our health and well-being to be boosted than through that.
The way we place seating in public space shapes the social life that unfolds around it. A bench tucked away in a quiet corner offers solitude, while a long communal table encourages conversation. Steps in a plaza become a place for people to gather informally, while a low wall can serve as both a boundary and a seat. The materials, shape, and arrangement of seating influence how we use it—whether we sit alone, in pairs, or as part of a larger group.
But a good place to sit isn’t just about the seat itself. The surroundings matter just as much. Is the space inviting? Is it well-maintained? Does it offer a view, a sense of safety, and shelter from harsh weather? Is there greenery nearby, making it a pleasant place to be? These details, though small, make all the difference in whether we choose to sit—or keep walking. A well-designed public space doesn’t just provide seating; it makes people want to use it.
Sitting can also be a bridge to other activities. It gives us a front-row spot to the life of a city, an opportunity to watch children play, musicians perform, or even just the simple rhythms of everyday life. It allows us to take a break, to recharge before continuing our way. And sometimes, it sparks the unexpected—a casual chat with a stranger, a shared moment of laughter, or a feeling of belonging in a space that isn’t just a place to pass through, but a place to be.
Not every public space needs to be a perfectly designed park, but every public space should offer people the chance to stop, to rest, to engage. How can we design spaces that make people feel comfortable enough to stay? How do we create places that don’t just accommodate sitting but celebrate staying in a place?
For example, take Domplein in Utrecht. It is an iconic square tucked in the heart of the city. What if it was also a place to stop and enjoy its beauty with more seating and opportunities to slow down and enjoy?
Maybe next time you come across a bench, a low wall, or even a simple step, you’ll take a moment to sit—not just because you have to, but because you want to.
This was the eighth of our nine chapters of the series Stories of Good Public Space, where we unpack the activities forming the backbone of our model.
Stay tuned as we continue to explore how public spaces can enhance our everyday activities and contribute to our well-being. In the next part, we will explore laying down, the last of these stories.
Want to find out more about the Good Public Space? Read more here.
