Benches in the common space. statement of the issues of rural and urban public space furnishing

The aim of this article is to formulate guidelines for locating benches in rural public spaces. It is a summary of the results of a qualitative research involving 67 users of urban benches, conducted with the application of individual in-depth interviews, and the results of a literature review on the manner in which rural public spaces are equipped. The obtained results pertain to the use of benches in rural public spaces in the context of their integration and semantic potential (symbolic values). The conclusions are presented in the form of general guidelines. Public consultation should be an important element in deciding how to equip rural common space with benches. Local communities ought to be included in the decision-making process, from the stage of the assumptions of the design concepts to the stage of realization. It is advisable to adjust the form of benches, their number, orientation and location to the nature of public space and expectations of their future users. At the same time, the overall structure of public space and its main functions should be taken into account. Properly selected and placed benches can support the process of community structuring and may be a part of the equipment of public space which integrates the local community. Locating benches opposite each other or in the shape of the letter L or C promotes integration. Designing space according to the safe space standards can be a solution for sites conducive to drinking alcohol. Locating benches in the vicinity of streets, at the fence bypass, is a traditional way. Benches with atypical forms or functions located in common areas may contribute to the extraction or strengthening of the local identity.