This seating configuration, typically found in vehicles or public spaces, involves a continuous, undivided surface designed to accommodate multiple occupants abreast. A common example is the front seat in older model pickup trucks or vans, where a single, long cushion allows for seating three individuals. These arrangements maximize occupancy within a given area.
The advantage of this design lies in its capacity to seat more people compared to individual bucket seats. This can be particularly beneficial in situations where space is at a premium. Historically, such seating was a standard feature in many automobiles, reflecting different priorities in vehicle design and passenger accommodation compared to contemporary trends. Its continued use is seen in niche applications such as certain work vehicles or in public seating contexts where maximizing seated capacity is key.