Elevate Your Business with These Outdoor Commercial Space Design Ideas

Mar 25, 2024Richard Woods

Elevate Your Business with These Outdoor Commercial Space Design Ideas

As the weather warms up and people start spending more time outdoors, having a well-designed outdoor commercial space can be a game-changer for businesses. A thoughtfully designed outdoor space can increase foot traffic, enhance customer experience, and create a more attractive and inviting environment. In this blog post, we will provide design ideas and tips for creating outdoor commercial spaces that are functional, durable, and on-brand.

Restaurant Outdoor Seating

For restaurants, outdoor seating areas can be a major draw for customers, especially during the warmer months. When designing outdoor seating areas, consider the following:

Materials: Choose materials that are durable, weather-resistant, and easy to clean. For example, metal or aluminum furniture with outdoor fabric cushions can withstand the elements and frequent use.

Lighting: Install lighting fixtures that can create a warm and inviting ambiance. String lights, lanterns, or wall-mounted sconces can add a cozy touch.

Branding: Incorporate your branding elements into the outdoor space. You can display your logo on signage, menus, or even on the furniture itself.

For colder months, using heaters, fire-places and providing blankets are all great options to fully utilize your space even during winter.

Corporate Building Design

Designing an outdoor commercial space requires a balance between function and aesthetics. Here are some tips to create a beautiful and practical outdoor space for employees:

Shade: Provide plenty of shade options, such as umbrellas, pergolas, or shaded seating areas. This will encourage employees to spend more time outside and can increase productivity.

Greenery: Incorporate greenery into the design to create a more natural and relaxing environment. This can include trees, plants, pot planters and green walls.

Seating: Provide a variety of seating options, such as benches, chairs, and tables, to accommodate different types of gatherings and meetings.

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Retail Outdoor Spaces

Retail outdoor spaces can be a great way to attract potential customers and increase sales. Consider the following when designing an outdoor space for your retail store:

Signage: Use signage to attract customers and showcase your products. This can include a branded awning, window signs, or hanging banners.

Product Display: Display your products outside to attract customers and showcase your merchandise. For example, outdoor shelving or racks can display clothing, shoes, or accessories.

Branding: Incorporate your branding elements into the outdoor space. This can include branded planters, seating, or signage.

Strata Outdoor Common Areas

Strata properties, such as apartment buildings and condominiums, often have common outdoor areas that can be designed to enhance the community experience and increase property values. When designing outdoor spaces for strata properties, consider the following:

Privacy: If the outdoor space is visible from neighbouring properties, provide privacy options such as tall hedges, trellises, or privacy screens.

Seating: Provide a variety of seating options, including benches, chairs, and tables, to accommodate different types of gatherings and activities.

Activities: Include features such as outdoor games, barbecues, or fire pits to encourage socialising and community building.

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Highschool & University Campuses

Outdoor spaces on high schools, colleges, and university campuses can provide a respite from the academic rigors and create a sense of community among students and faculty. When designing outdoor spaces for universities, consider the following:

Sustainability: Incorporate sustainability elements, such as gardens or permeable pavement, to demonstrate the facilities commitment to sustainability.

Shade: Provide plenty of shade options, such as pergolas or shade sails, to protect students and faculty from the sun during hot weather.

Multifunctional Spaces: Create spaces that can accommodate a variety of activities, including outdoor classes, meetings, and performances.

Childcare Centers

Outdoor spaces for childcare centers are essential for providing children with opportunities to play and learn in a safe and stimulating environment. When designing outdoor spaces for childcare centers, consider the following:

Safety: Ensure that all outdoor elements, such as play equipment and surfaces, meet safety standards and are age-appropriate.

Nature Play: Incorporate natural elements, such as sandboxes, water features, and gardening areas, to encourage children's exploration and learning.

Shelter: Provide sheltered areas, such as shade structures or covered play areas, to protect children from the sun and rain.

Healthcare Facilities

Outdoor spaces for healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and clinics, can provide patients, visitors, and staff with opportunities to connect with nature, de-stress, and promote healing. When designing outdoor spaces for healthcare facilities, consider the following:

Accessibility: Ensure that outdoor spaces are accessible to patients and visitors of all abilities, including those with mobility impairments or using assistive devices.

Healing Elements: Incorporate elements that promote healing and relaxation, such as healing gardens, walking paths, and water features.

Seating: Provide comfortable seating options, such as comfortable chairs, and tables, to encourage outdoor relaxation and socialising.

Safety: Ensure that outdoor spaces are well-lit and free from tripping hazards, and consider installing security cameras and other safety features to ensure patient and visitor safety.

Privacy: Consider creating private seating areas or gardens for patients and visitors who may want more solitude or quiet time.

Sustainability: Incorporate sustainable design elements, such as native plants and no-water landscaping, to reduce environmental impact and promote eco-friendly practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, designing outdoor commercial spaces can be a great way to elevate your business and create a more attractive and inviting environment. Whether you run a retail store, hospitality, or corporate campus, incorporating durable materials, lighting, greenery, and branding elements can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. By implementing these design ideas and tips, you can create an outdoor commercial space that reflects your brand, increases foot traffic, and enhances the customer experience.