Tag Archives: Paris

This article was initially conceived as a paean to the park bench as emblem and occasion of informal sociability.  Enthused by a visit to some parks in Paris, and being delighted by the seats (more anon) seen there, I was going to make the argument for similar seats here in the UK based on the view that they could help enhance the sociability of the public realm, complements to the traditional park bench.   But a little thought made me see that I was wrong about the connection between park bench and sociability – too simplistic, seeing what I wished to see, and not what was there.  So, now I wish to promote those very same seats, but for different reasons.  But first, park benches. Continue reading →