The design of outdoor seats should take "comfort, adaptability, safety and sustainability" as the core goals, and be carried out around three dimensions: human body structure, environmental factors and usage scenarios. Through form optimization, material selection and functional innovation, a "people-oriented" outdoor rest space should be constructed. The following is elaborated from four aspects: design principles, key parameters, functional configuration and environmental adaptation:

First, the core principles of design

Dynamic adaptation principle

Multi-posture support: It meets the needs of different postures such as sitting, leaning, and lying down. For example, the reclining Angle of the seat backrest is adjustable (100°-120°), suitable for scenarios such as reading, talking, and taking a short rest.

Size inclusiveness: Covering users of different body types (such as children, adults, and the elderly), for example, seat width ≥45cm, depth 40-50cm, to avoid compressing the leg blood vessels.

The principle of environmental integration

Climate adaptability: Consider environmental factors such as high temperature, humidity, and strong ultraviolet rays, for example, use breathable materials (such as anti-corrosion wood, metal mesh surface) and sun-protective coatings.

Spatial synergy: It forms functional linkage with the surrounding landscape, walkways, and shading facilities, such as seats facing the landscape side or the shaded area.

The principle of safety and accessibility

Anti-fall design: The edges of the seat are rounded, with a height of 40-45cm (for easy getting up), and the width of the armrest is ≥5cm (for easy grasping).

Material safety: Avoid sharp edges and corners, toxic coatings or flammable materials, such as using anti-rust metals or environmentally friendly plastics.

Second, key ergonomic parameters

Seat surface design

Dimensions: Width 45-60cm (suitable for two people sitting side by side), depth 40-50cm (to avoid pressing the back of the knees).

Tilt Angle: Tilt the front end of the seat downward by 2° to 5° to reduce the pressure on the thighs. The rear end is slightly upturned to prevent slipping.

Material: Choose breathable, anti-slip and easy-to-clean materials, such as treated wood (natural texture), metal mesh surface (drainage and moisture-proof), high-density polyethylene (UV-resistant).

Backrest design

Height: 30-50cm (supporting from the waist to the shoulders), with the curve conforming to the natural curvature of the spine (S-shaped).

Tilt Angle: 100°-120° (A 100° forward tilt is suitable for conversation, and a 120° backward tilt is suitable for relaxation).

Support point: Set up raised or soft pads at the lumbar vertebrae position (20-25cm from the seat surface) to relieve fatigue from prolonged sitting.

Handrail design

Height: 20-25cm above the seat surface (arms can be easily placed when hanging naturally).

Shape: The front end is arc-shaped to avoid pressing on the wrist. The rear end is widened to facilitate the use of force when getting up.

Legroom

The distance between the seat surface and the ground is 40-45cm (for the elderly to get up), and a gap of ≥15cm should be left at the front edge to avoid bumping the lower legs.

Third, functional configuration and scene adaptation

Basic functions

Anti-slip treatment: Anti-slip textures or grooves are added to the surface of the seat and backrest to prevent slipping in rainy days.

Drainage design: The seat surface adopts a perforated structure (such as a metal mesh surface) or a slightly inclined Angle to prevent water accumulation.

Additional function

Sunshade and rain protection: By integrating sunshades, tree pits or retractable canopies, the all-weather utilization rate can be enhanced.

Storage and charging: Hidden storage compartments (such as drawers under seats) or USB charging ports are set up to meet modern needs.

Interactivity: Modular splicing design, supporting users to freely combine (such as single seats, benches, L-shaped corners).

Scene adaptation

Parks and squares: They adopt the form of benches and are complemented by landscape features to promote social interaction.

Footpath and rest area: Independent seats are set up with a spacing of no less than 1.5 meters to avoid a sense of congestion.

Children's activity area: Lower the seat height (30-35cm) and add interesting shapes (such as animal shapes).

Fourth, environmental and sustainability considerations

Material selection

Weather resistance: Materials resistant to ultraviolet rays and corrosion (such as aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and treated wood) are selected.

Environmental friendliness: Prioritize the use of recyclable materials (such as recycled plastics and bamboo) to reduce the carbon footprint.

Maintenance and durability

Easy to clean: The surface is smooth and seamless, preventing the accumulation of stains. Anti-rust treatment of metal parts.

Modular design: Facilitates the quick replacement of damaged components (such as seat boards and handrails), reducing maintenance costs.

Ecological integration

Greening integration: Plant low shrubs or ground cover plants around the seats to enhance comfort and aesthetics.

Rainwater utilization: Install rainwater collection devices for irrigating surrounding plants.

Fifth, Comparison and implications of Typical cases

Success case

The seating in Gardens by the Bay, Singapore: It adopts a modular design, combining a sunshade and charging ports to meet the all-weather needs of visitors.

Kyoto Philosophy Path Chair in Japan: Height suitable for the elderly (40cm), backrest reclining 110°, combined with wood grain, blending into the natural landscape.

Failure case

Metal seats in a certain city park: The seat surface is smooth and there is no drainage design. After rain, water accumulation is severe, which leads to users abandoning them. After improvement, a hollowed-out structure was added, increasing the usage rate by 50%.

The stone seats in a certain scenic area: They do not take into account the human body curve and the seat surface is too narrow (35cm), causing users to experience back and waist pain after sitting for a long time. It was later adjusted to an arc-shaped seat surface and backrest, significantly improving comfort.

Core conclusion

The ergonomic design of outdoor seats should start from "user needs", and achieve a balance between comfort, safety and sustainability through scientific parameters, functional innovation and ecological integration. During the design process, it is necessary to avoid the misunderstanding of "emphasizing aesthetics over practicality and form over experience", and focus on detail optimization and long-term maintenance, so that the seats can truly become public space nodes in the city that are "livable, interactive and perceptible".