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On a serious note, what is it really for?
To keep people (see: the homeless) from laying down and sleeping there. Look up hostile architecture/design (also, asshole design) for further examples.
This is like the least hostile of hostile architecture. It could easily be filled or have something placed over it for someone to sleep.
It's almost so minimally hostile that it might have some other intended purpose.
It's made of metal, so cold af to sleep on.
Thanks. I thought it was some special bench for people with disabilities (because of the wheelchair sign) I'm dumb...
Could also have been a seat for the vertically challenged, like a 6yo.
It's really for hostility for homeless people. The design is intended to make it difficult for someone to sleep on it.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hostile_architecture
I don't know this design specifically, but absent another explanation, that's become my go-to explanation for any unusual design in a public space.
To prevent homeless people from sleeping there.