The concept of working outside is a fairly recent phenomenon influenced by the health concerns raised during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, but also by the ongoing trend for incorporating biophilic design into workspaces using features such as indoor plants and living walls.
Outdoor learning has been used in education for a number of years, offering benefits that help to nurture childrens’ physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. More recently, it seems that workplaces are catching onto the idea that outdoor spaces can operate in a similar way, helping to boost mood and productivity.
Meeting Spaces
While using outdoor spaces to discuss sensitive or confidential information is generally inadvisable, they can be a great place in which to brainstorm ideas or to discuss projects. Creating a calming outdoor space with comfortable seating (like these from Tournesol) can help to promote an inspiring, collaborative space for sharing ideas and discussing projects.
Break-out Areas
It’s no secret that spending time outdoors helps to reduce stress, but in some cases, the existing design or location of workplaces may prohibit this. Even in built-up areas, outdoor areas such as courtyard or even rooftop spaces create places to relax in so that those who use them can return to work feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Cafes And Dining Areas
General stressors, repetitive work and even poor air quality in offices can lead to fatigue, but office workers need not resort to caffeine to help get them through the day: integrating outdoor spaces with dining areas and cafes can help offer an additional boost of energy that feels more revitalizing than a double espresso.
Outdoor Workspaces
Unless you have the option to work from home, there may be days when working indoors can be counterproductive, especially in offices that tend to feel especially warm during the summer months. Outdoor offices offer a solution to this common problem, complete with covered awnings to shield screens from the sun’s glare while also keeping workers cool, calm and focused.
Working In Colder Climates
In cooler conditions, outdoor office spaces can still be made functional with the assistance of a landscape architect, who can help design weather-proofing features and outdoor structures as well as sustainable heating (safety regulations permitting).
Focus Areas
While office design over the decades appears to have veered between the two extremes of cubicles and open-plan spaces, more recent designs are finding ways to accommodate those who function better in individual as well as group settings. Small areas set apart from group spaces using greenery, shrubs or a living wall offers everyone a space where they can do their best work.
Inclusive Spaces
Creating safer. more ADA-accessible spaces should be a top priority in all public spaces, including the design of offices. For wheelchair users and other workers with mobility needs, this includes measures such as leaving ample space in which to maneuver, in addition to incorporating ramps and lifts both inside and out of buildings.
Maintenance
The most effective outdoor office spaces are sustainable, not only in terms of materials but also ongoing maintenance and cleaning. While an initial build might look impressive initially, poor upkeep can rapidly cause its appeal to fade. To avoid this, opting for hardwearing materials and easy-care plants, trees and shrubs can help to keep the space looking fresh year after year.
