I tried the West End’s controversial new street furniture - my verdict

While many are angered by what they see as the ‘anti-homeless’ design, some say the new furniture will be easier to use for people with disabilities. Some are more concerned with the chairs costing, rather than having, both an arm and a leg. Others even suggest that there are more important things to worry about.

New street chairs. These two are on the corner of Byres Road and White Street (Image: Newsquest)

Whyever the powers that be decided to cement some armchairs into Byres Road, I was certainly curious about them. Are they comfy? Do strangers sit side by side, close enough to reach out and hold hands? Do they hold hands? Such questions kept me awake at night.

I had to find out.

Upon first impression, they do look a little out of place - like two sunbathing locals had left their seats out. I can imagine plenty of opportunistic passersby will be surprised to find them so firmly anchored to the pavement.

The other two are further down Byres Road, by Lawrence Street (Image: Newsquest)

Still, once you get your backside on them, they are nice chairs. The wood is good quality and they’re pretty comfortable; definitely more so than your average bench, with the arms surely enhancing your sitting experience. You might say these chairs set a new benchmark in street furniture comfort.

Although having a jolly time on my own, watching the West End go by on a glorious September afternoon, I hoped a friendly face might join me for a wee blether.

A great place to flick through your favourite publication (Image: Newsquest)

I made what I thought were welcoming expressions at people, but these seemed only to deter. Of the two women I asked to take my picture, one was very friendly and helpful; the other looked at me with evident suspicion.

Eventually, my moment came. Or so I thought. A woman in her 60s perched beside me, but immediately took a phone call. She spoke in hushed tones, possibly concerned that the stranger next to her was eavesdropping on the conversation - which I very much was.

Have a seat and watch the world go by (Image: Newsquest)

“I’m taking advantage of you,” she almost whispered into the receiver. You’re doing what now? My ears pricked up. Unfortunately, she then wandered off to continue her eyebrow-raising intercourse in the privacy it merited.

So I spent most of my time on the chairs riding solo. Still, I enjoyed myself. They make for a good place to stop and let the world go on without you for a few moments. I do hate the idea of designing anything to make life harder for the homeless, but I’m not sure these chairs qualify as ‘hostile architecture,’ seeing as they are so very comfy.

The chairs' arms are perfect for reading the Glasgow Times on (Image: Newsquest)

I understand the argument about the chairs being anti-social, but I also think they will play host to many lively exchanges in the years to come; some between friends, but plenty between strangers who might never have spoken, if not for the novelty of the seating beneath them.

So I think they’re great - just not for private calls.