Poland’s first heated benches have been placed in front of Wroclaw city hall in the south west - a perfect addition to the street furniture if you fancy a quick sit-down in zero degree temperatures. The five heated benches are part of a project sponsored by a Finnish power company and under the patronage of Wroclaw local authorities.
The idea originates in Sweden, where the same company held a campaign in which Stockholm residents decided which parts of the city needed additional lighting.
Wrocław’s heated benches have been manufactured from 100 percent recyclable aluminium and equipped with warming LED lighting, which have a low energy consumption rate.
Designers of the benches say that each needs four times less energy than one made of iron.
The seats, which can be heated to up to 20 deg.C, are also furnished with special thermostats, adapting temperature to conditions and time of day.
Another four benches will be mounted before the end of the year in places decided by a poll carried out among Wrocław residents.
(ek/pg)