Two-seater benches for Helsinki’s parks for those who cannot sit next to a stranger
Faced with the situation that Finns are pathologically reluctant to sit next to strangers, the City of Helsinki has come up with a curious solution - it has decided to place narrower benches in its parks. The idea of two-seater benches was proposed by City Councellor Sture Gadd (Swedish People’s Party). The Public Works Committee will handle the proposal today, Thursday.
According to the proposal there is a shortage of benches, as the present three-seater benches are often occupied by just one person. As on the buses and trains, Finns are not naturally predisposed to sit next to anyone they do not know, if there is a free seat available anywhere else. Many seem to prefer standing.
"If the number of twin benches were higher than that of the present three-seaters, more people could be seated in parks", notes Gadd.
The need for more benches will increase when the number of senior citizens and tourists grows, the proposal states.
A few fixed single seats can be found in Helsinki, for example at the eastern end of Katajanokka and in the environs of the Parliament annex building.
This spring, similar single seats will be placed in Kulosaari, reports Arja Saaristo-Wahlberg from the Street and Park Division of the City’s Public Works Department.
In addition to single seats, a total of 27 two-seated benches will also be brought to Kulosaari. The Public Works Department is looking forward to receiving feedback about people’s reactions to the new benches, to be used as a basis for acquisitions for other parts of the city.
Part of the City’s park benches are movable, while more and more benches are fixed to the ground, staying in place all the year round. The movable benches are kept in the storage of the Public Works Department over the winter, while they are being repaired and repainted.
Around this time of the year, the Public Works Department will have the benches placed in the parks and along the streets of the city.
Helsingin Sanomat
|
| 15.3.2007 - TODAY |
 Two-seater benches for Helsinki’s parks for those who cannot sit next to a stranger |
|
