Lyon never misses a chance to make headlines when it comes to urban development. Ever since the complete pedestrianization of Rue de la République on June 21st, one of the most iconic streets in the Presqu’île is experiencing its own little green revolution. Goodbye cars and buses (except for delivery drivers during their designated time), and hello pedestrians… along with a touch of tactical green urbanism. After the big square blocks that resemble giant Lego pieces and the reflective strips that look like runways, it's time for the famous serpentine stone benches, lovingly nicknamed "white sausages" on social media. And let's just say, they definitely don’t go unnoticed.
A bit of an indigestible white sausage
Designed to offer passersby a spot to take a break right in the city center, these original low-seating benches aim to give Lyon residents back control over their public space. In theory, everything is there: simplicity of materials, organic design, utility…
eacute; public. In practice ? It’s a bit more unclear. Users look at them with suspicion; some hesitate to sit on them, while others joke about their aesthetic. Between a contemporary art piece and a bench for Smurfs, it’s hard to say for now if the gamble has paid off.This Saturday, the crowd should test their comfort… or not. It remains to be seen whether these "urban cushions" will survive the test of time, mass events like the Festival of Lights, or even a simple rainy day in Lyon. One thing is for sure: in Lyon, even benches spark debate.