ABSTRACT
Regardless of definition, placemaking is fundamentally about building connections between people, a specific location, and other people. This chapter contends that public seating is the smallest increment of place. Public seating offers the community an invitation to literally, and figuratively, connect to a location in the form of an investment of personal time and trust. However, there are a number of unconscious and conscious biases that have led to a paucity of quality, comfortable, and inviting public seating in urban environments. This chapter shares these potentially negative influences on the urban design, planning, and placemaking profession’s approach to public seating. It then provides the rationale for increasing investment in the design and delivery of seating opportunities that will contribute to urban equality and amenity and enhance the opportunity to build social connections and community wellbeing in our cities. Lastly it summarises the three key considerations for urban design, planning, and placemaking professionals in delivering quality, comfortable, and inviting public seating: psychological comfort, physical comfort, and pleasure.
