With every problem, there’s not always an obvious solution waiting to be uncovered. Sometimes, when faced with these situations, one has to be innovative. With a bit of creativity and ingenuity, you might be surprised at how much you can achieve. After all, more often than not, it’s the craziest-sounding idea that works out best.

These designers were called upon to make public spaces more comfortable and useful to ordinary people. Well, these guys did their best and the results are fantastic.

The public bench which is also a flower bed

© dis-section.com -Via

The eco-friendly Wi-Fi hotspot

© Mathieu Lehanneur -Via

The reflective garden fence which changes appearance depending on the season

© Alyson Shotz -Via

The glow-in-the-dark bike path in this park

© Daan Roosegaarde -Via

The pubic bench which you can turn over after it rains and sit on the dry underside

© pinterest.com -Via

These designs for a bench, staircase ramp and rain shelter

© lostateminor.com -Via

The bench which is also a table

© BD Barcelona Design -Via

The fold-out chairs which look like tulips

© thestar.com -Via

And the alternatives to benches — public hammocks!

© trendhunter.com -Via

The bus stop with swings

© dailytouslesjours -Via

© dailytouslesjours -Via

These free public battery chargers for smartphones

© treehugger.com -Via

Two uses in one: it’s both a bench and a tree guard

© pinterest.com -Via

Shade balls are small plastic spheres that are dumped into the reservoirs to protect water from contaminants and UV rays.They also help to reduce evaporation and retain water supply.

© www.zigersnead.com -Via

Bonus: ingenious markering design