PROJECT
exteriors
Moisture-resistant composite decking in the Port Royale Marina’s children’s spray park remains strong despite frequent, repeated soakings. All photos courtesy MoistureShield
Outdoor Living Has Commercial Appeal Composite decking is popular in non-residential applications, too. Brent Gwatney, MoistureShield
O
ne can scarcely open a home-improvement
Outdoor living is undeniably hot in the residential sec-
or design magazine without encountering
tor, but what about in commercial architecture? Many of
at least one article on outdoor living. The
the factors that lead homeowners to pursue outdoor living
Research shows that people derive many health bene-
American Institute of Architects’ (AIA, aia.org) Home
projects also are influencing materials and designs in com-
fits from being outside—from improved mood to en-
Design Trends Survey for second quarter 2017, reported
mercial/institutional projects ranging from hotels to
hanced concentration. “Just looking at a garden or trees or
that “outdoor living rooms have taken the top spot in
restaurants, marinas, zoos, and public parks.
going for a walk, even if it’s in your own neighborhood,
elaborated on the concept by saying we have “an innate and genetically determined affinity” for nature.
terms of growing consumer interest among special func-
The desire to be outdoors seems to be hardwired in
tion rooms.” The survey also found that outdoor kitch-
humans. Many architects are familiar with the concept of
vironmental psychologist, as quoted in a Huffington Post
ens are growing in popularity faster than indoor kitchen
biophilia, which biologist Edward O. Wilson defined as
story.
products and features.
“the urge to affiliate with other forms of life.” Wilson
reduces stress,” said Judith Heerwagen, a Seattle-based en-
In another article, Heerwagen offers design tips for
commercialarchitecturemagazine.com
JUNE 2018
COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE
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