Considering Outside Spaces in PBSA
In the first of our new mini blog series, we wanted to discuss ways to consider outdoor spaces and look at creative ideas to enhance and support them through design.
We enjoy the opportunity to learn all about the sectors we work within here at N+L and recently attended the Education Property and PBSA event by Place North West in Manchester. It was an insightful event full of interesting speakers and panel discussions, which left us feeling inspired!
Among the topics discussed were outdoor spaces and the important relationship they have with the buildings they surround and the residents that experience them. As designers, we often get asked to look at outdoor areas for the schemes we create. More than ever, post covid, we realise the role these valuable areas play in aiding wellbeing, community building and promoting a sense of place.
So, it was interesting to listen to the discussion regarding these sometimes over-looked and under-utilised invaluable spaces. Bec Bennett, assistant director of sustainability at the University of Salford, said; ‘The Covid-19 experience demonstrated how important it is for people to have access to open space – not just cosmetic green spaces, more about having meaningful contact with nature’. And went on to discuss how connections between internal and external spaces were a priority. Tom Johnson, director of landscape architecture at LUC added that outdoor spaces need to be appealing for students to be on campus rather than in their room or online. This led us to think about how to design meaningful outside areas in collaboration with providers, who can further facilitate these spaces to fulfil their maximum potential and purpose.
The first, and maybe most apparent way to attract students to enjoy outdoor areas is through planting. Regarding the outdoor space as an extension of the indoor amenities allows us to apply a similar thought process to the design. Creating zones and pockets of interest through bold and inspired planting choices that include height and texture, colour and natural shade can elevate the aesthetic greatly. Placing design led furniture in configurations that divide a large space to create smaller, more encouraging areas can make a large courtyard feel more inclusive and attractive, drawing students out of their rooms for some Vitamin D and improve their social wellbeing. On a recent visit to Manchester, we called in at Kampus, which boasts an amazing example of fabulous planting against an urban backdrop - it’s a secluded and private oasis! The impactful scale and diversity of the planting really illustrates how bold and considerate choices can create a successful environment.
KAMPUS Manchester
Planting, a subject that we are passionate about here at N+L, can also play a large part in creating a community. Raised beds can become allotments for vegetables and more unusual species of plants for likeminded residents, with the added benefits of attracting bees and other wildlife. Clubs and groups can be formed, and positive friendships, lasting connections and interests explored. Adding to the student experience in this way can have such a positive effect on health and wellbeing, diminishing feelings of isolation and as well as creating aesthetically interesting, beautiful spaces.
Thinking of the outdoor areas in terms of social amenity spaces is also key to unlocking limitless potential. Connecting the outside with indoors creates a cohesion to the overall design of a scheme. Flexibility in the space planning of furniture can allow an imaginative list of social events to be promoted, such as yoga and exercise classes, outdoor cinema rooms/ movie nights, outdoor study groups, drawing and painting classes, to name a few – the list is endless! Again, encouraging students to make connections, engage with others and increase a sense of ownership. Achievements can be shared inside too, such as veg boxes, cut flower displays and artwork to adorn the corridors.
Sustainability is headlining new schemes in terms of the building elements, with the new generation of students being more conscious of their environmental impact, sighting sustainability as a priority when choosing their accommodation. Facilitating a sustainable living experience can further this aspiration which can be applied to the outdoor areas too. Use of materials in outdoor furniture such as recycled plastics and waste materials from site can be repurposed into tabletops with many other recycled furniture options to source from. Rainwater butts, negating the need for hose pipes, can be housed within courtyards and terraces, enabling outdoor spaces to work hard in terms of sustainability, climate change and biodiversity.
Sketch by @nelsonandlong
Considering these factors when designing outdoor spaces can add value to an accommodation scheme, provide inspiring environments that prioritise and nurture students’ wellbeing as well as foster a sense of community. We are looking forward to designing our next outdoor terrace, but for now are looking forward to seeing what grows from our complementary wild flower seeds courtesy of LUC!