Add-On Seating Benches: Smart Solutions for Cities and Municipalities
Discover how add-on seating modules such as the Kanji benches by Escofet 1886 transform existing walls and retaining structures into accessible, ergonomic resting places. With minimal interventions, cities and municipalities can create sustainable and circular solutions for public space.
Summary
The demand for seating in public space is growing, yet not every project allows for heavy foundation works. Here, add-on modules such as Kanji offer a clever alternative: they are mounted directly onto existing structures such as low walls, retaining walls, or raised planters. This makes them particularly interesting for municipalities seeking to combine comfort, sustainability, and inclusion without large construction sites or high costs.
Where traditional benches often require foundations or reinforced paving, add-on modules make use of what already exists. The result is seating that blends seamlessly into its environment while meeting the latest standards for ergonomics and accessibility.
Why Add-On Seating Modules Make the Difference
Traditional benches with legs require free space and solid ground. Think of clearance for wheelchairs and strollers, stable paving, or a concrete base. Add-on benches such as Kanji and Flavio do not need this: they are easily integrated on walls, retaining structures, or raised planters that are often already in place. This reduces costs and speeds up execution.
In addition, the latest Kanji models are ergonomically refined in line with Spanish standard Real Decreto 193/2023 and European directive EN 17210 – Accessibility of the built environment. Thanks to Universal Design principles, these seating elements are comfortable and usable for a wide group of users.
The Solution: Add-On Seating in Practice
With this type of seating modules, hard edges are turned into comfortable resting spots. The elements are firmly fixed onto existing structures, without the need for new load-bearing constructions or foundations. This saves time, costs, and raw materials.
In new projects, cities and municipalities can already take this approach into account at the design stage. A retaining wall or planter can then be designed to later accommodate a seating module. This makes public space future-proof and flexible.
Applications and Examples
Examples abound: squares where low walls become inviting seating, campuses where staircases transform into meeting areas, or coastal zones where concrete edges offer extra comfort through Kanji elements.
The Kanji benches from the Escofet 1886 by Molins collection show how ergonomic refinement enhances accessibility. To learn more about the ergonomics of these benches, be sure to read our in-depth blog article on Kanji. The Flavio elements emphasize retrofit and flexibility. Together, they illustrate how existing structures gain added value in diverse urban contexts. Read more in our blog article Flavio – From retaining wall to resting place.
Checklist for Design and Implementation
When applying add-on seating elements, there are several key points:
- Height of the existing structure: walls or retaining elements should be lower than 45 cm, so that the total seat height with the module reaches approx. 45 cm.
- Clear circulation: ensure that seating does not obstruct movement and that users can interact safely around the elements.
- Material choice: depending on the context, there is a choice of FSC® wood, GFRP or stainless steel 316L with C5 coating.
- Reuse and maintenance: opt for solutions that can be easily relocated or reused during future redesigns.
Materials and Broad Applicability
Suppliers of these solutions work with sustainable materials such as FSC® wood, GFRP and stainless steel 316L. Each material offers specific benefits: warmth and natural appeal, colour stability and low maintenance, or maximum weather resistance. This makes them suitable for a wide range of contexts: from urban parks and campuses to healthcare facilities and coastal areas..
Most importantly: material choice is flexible and never a limitation, always aiming for optimal sustainability. For cities and municipalities this means a solution that fits their specific situation and desired criteria.
Learn More About the Possibilities
As a city or municipality, are you curious about how add-on seating elements such as Kanji or Flavio can be integrated into your projects? Servibo is happy to support you with practical advice and concrete examples. This soft invitation to get in touch provides inspiration without obligation, but opens the door to circular and inclusive solutions for accessible public and semi-public space.
Further Reading on This Topic
Would you like to dive deeper into how millimetres make the difference in ergonomics and accessibility?
Then read our detailed article on the Kanji benches , where all design adjustments, standards, and user benefits are thoroughly explained.
More interesting literature can be found here:
- More on inclusive and accessible street furniture: Article Inclusive Street Furniture
- More on ergonomic street furniture: Article Ergonomic Street Furniture
- Discover how Flavio transforms walls into seating: The Flavio Add-on elements by Urbidermis.
- Learn more about sustainability and material choice [LINK naar pagina: Materialen & Duurzaamheid].
Explore the Kanji Product Line
Curious about the specific models, materials, and combinations of the Kanji range? Go directly to our product page and discover how these solutions can be applied in your project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Servibo add-on modules are seating elements that can be easily mounted on existing structures such as walls and retaining walls. They create seating areas without heavy foundation or excavation works, allowing municipalities to quickly and cost-effectively add comfort. Servibo consciously positions these solutions as circular and inclusive interventions in public space.
More broadly, these solutions align with circular and inclusive urbanism: existing infrastructure gains a second life and is used multifunctionally. This supports policy goals around sustainability, climate adaptation and inclusive mobility.
The difference lies in installation: traditional benches require foundations, solid paving, and free space around them. Servibo add-on modules use existing structures, making them faster and easier to place, while taking up less room. For cities and municipalities this is often a decisive practical advantage.
This means less site impact, lower costs, and more flexibility in design and execution. Moreover, choosing retrofit seating modules makes it possible to provide more seating in contexts where traditional benches are difficult to install, such as along retaining walls or raised planters.
Yes. Servibo advises cities and municipalities on applications in squares, parks, campuses, healthcare environments, and coastal areas. Wherever existing structures are present, add-on modules can add value and increase usability of the space.
Semi-public domains such as educational institutions and business campuses also benefit from these solutions. Thanks to flexibility in assembly and materials, they are suitable for both large- and small-scale projects.
The latest Kanji models from Servibo are aligned with European accessibility standards and Universal Design. With seat heights around 45 cm and armrests that support independent standing up, they are suitable for a wide range of users, increasing independence for elderly people and those with reduced mobility.
This contributes to greater comfort, safety, and social inclusion in public space. Moreover, these elements support municipal policies focused on accessible and inclusive urban planning and strengthen the image of forward-thinking public spaces.
Absolutely. Servibo advises taking add-on seating into account from the design stage. Retaining walls, planters, or raised tree pits can be designed at the right height for future seating functions. This greatly simplifies later integration.
This approach avoids costly adjustments afterwards and strengthens circular building. It gives designers and policymakers the opportunity to consider inclusive and sustainable values for public space from the outset.
For municipalities the benefits are clear: lower costs, faster implementation, and visible added value for citizens. Servibo makes it possible to make public space more accessible and attractive without heavy interventions or long-term works.
Choosing circular and sustainable solutions also demonstrates social responsibility and forward-looking policy. This increases citizen support and strengthens the municipality’s image as an innovative and inclusive actor.
Escofet 1886 opts for materials resistant to intensive use, weather conditions, and vandalism. This translates into low maintenance costs and a long lifespan, which is important for municipalities with limited maintenance budgets.
Ease of maintenance supports not only practical needs, but also contributes to sustainability and lower total cost of ownership. This ensures seating solutions remain relevant and cost-efficient in the long term, even with varying intensity of use.
Yes. Servibo’s solutions make use of space that already exists, allowing even compact squares, courtyards, or narrow passages to offer seating comfort. They are ideal for projects where additional seating is desired but little space is available.
In this way, smaller projects also increase their usability and inclusiveness. This makes add-on modules attractive for both large cities and smaller municipalities that still want to add quality and comfort.
By using existing infrastructure, Servibo’s solutions avoid new foundations and reduce material use. This perfectly fits circular strategies of cities focusing on reuse and low environmental impact.
The result is lower CO₂ emissions, shorter installation times, and flexible reusability. These retrofit seating modules not only contribute to environmental gains but also strengthen the resilience of urban infrastructure.
Yes. Servibo often recommends combining Kanji or Flavio elements with other seating or street furniture to create a consistent and aesthetic whole. This results in public space that is not only functional but also visually coherent.
This simplifies management for municipalities and strengthens the identity of the city or district. By making smart links between different product lines, the overall user value for citizens is also increased.
Other Questions?
Do you have additional questions or would you like personal advice on the application of add-on benches in your city or municipality? Our team is ready to think along with you and recommend the right solution. Click below on Contact Us and discover how together we can future-proof your public space.