Urbanization often disrupts natural habitats, but thoughtful design can help wildlife thrive—including bats, which play a vital role in pollination and pest control. Here’s how outdoor seating can be designed to support urban bat populations:

1. Incorporate Bat-Friendly Materials

Use rough, textured surfaces like untreated wood or concrete, which allow bats to grip and roost. Avoid smooth, slippery materials that deter them.

2. Add Vertical Structures

Integrate tall backrests or overhead panels on benches. These mimic tree bark or crevices where bats naturally shelter during the day.

3. Create Dark, Sheltered Spaces

Design seating with enclosed undersides or small gaps (1–2 cm) to provide safe roosting spots away from predators and light pollution.

4. Include Water Features Nearby

Bats need water for drinking and hunting insects. Pair seating with small ponds or fountains to attract both bats and their prey.

5. Avoid Pesticides

Opt for native plants around seating areas to support insect populations—bats’ primary food source—and avoid chemicals that harm their ecosystem.

By blending functionality with ecology, urban designers can turn ordinary benches into bat sanctuaries, fostering biodiversity in cities. Simple tweaks, like adding grooves or positioning seating near greenery, make a significant difference. Let’s reimagine public spaces as shared habitats for humans and wildlife alike.