# Self-Closing Public Benches in Switzerland

Smart bench design that stays clean and dry automatically.

- **Source:** [Core77](https://brifing.si/source/f6ad2371-dd12-4b4f-8976-2d2533729d9b)
- **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design)
- **Original article:** <https://www.core77.com/posts/145128/In-Switzerland-Self-Closing-Public-Benches-that-Stay-Clean-and-Dry>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/910a27e1-6cbc-408f-82f0-963c4425cdb0

## Innovative Street Furniture

These benches spotted in Lausanne feature a user-friendly design. Internal spring mechanisms keep the wooden surfaces pressed together under a small metal roof. When a user wants to sit, the bench opens and remains in position through body weight. This design offers significant ease of use compared to traditional benches, demonstrating practical urban innovation.

## Hygienic Solution

The auto-folding feature keeps benches dry during rainy weather while protecting them from bird droppings. The metal roof provides an easily accessible cleaning surface for maintenance workers. These features raise public hygiene standards and reduce long-term maintenance costs for municipal authorities, showcasing thoughtful urban design.

## Linguistic Clarification

Contrary to appearances, the product isn't named '10/10 Bank' - 'Bank' simply means 'bench' in German. The '10/10' in references signifies perfect design scoring. This detail reveals how marketing language interacts with functional design, where the bench's practicality and aesthetics have earned top marks from users and critics alike.

## User Experience

The benches operate through intuitive single-motion mechanics, ensuring accessibility for all users including elderly and disabled individuals. When open, the sturdy construction provides reliable seating. The weight-sensitive mechanism accommodates all body types, demonstrating inclusive design principles in public infrastructure.

## Material Selection

Durable wooden surfaces were chosen for both longevity and aesthetic appeal, while the stainless steel roof ensures weather resistance. This material combination withstands Switzerland's cold, wet climate effectively. Every component reflects careful consideration of environmental durability in urban settings.

## Urban Aesthetics

The modern minimalist design complements Lausanne's architectural character while reducing visual clutter in public spaces. These benches represent rare examples where functionality merges seamlessly with aesthetic appeal, enhancing rather than disrupting the city's visual landscape through thoughtful industrial design.

## Maintenance Advantages

Metal surfaces enable easier cleaning compared to traditional benches. The folding mechanism provides complete access to all parts, streamlining disinfection processes. This design saves significant time and labor for municipal maintenance teams, ultimately benefiting public budgets through operational efficiencies.

## Smart City Inspiration

This design offers valuable lessons for smart city development worldwide. Lausanne's innovation demonstrates how simple yet effective solutions can elevate public space quality. The benches serve as a tangible model for other municipalities, proving how functional design can transform urban living through practical, human-centered solutions.

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.core77.com/posts/145128/In-Switzerland-Self-Closing-Public-Benches-that-Stay-Clean-and-Dry — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._