The Urban Outdoors - Pt.3
This post I wanted to dive a little deeper into the creation of both physical and visual connections. I’m going to focus primarily on linking indoor spaces with their corresponding outdoor spaces, rather than linking outdoor spaces, such as parks, to the larger outdoor urban context, since I feel the latter was covered fairly well in Part 2.
Physical Connections:
Operable/door walls: rather than only having single/double doors connecting spaces, creating an entire wall that can be opened limits physical boundaries between spaces. Activities taking place in one space can easily spill into the other, especially if connections for the wall are considered carefully. Integrating tracks into the floor, as well as limiting framing, helps to increase both physical and visual flow between spaces.
Image taken from Nanawall.com
Operable walls may not always be favorable. If sound could become an issue and the operable wall is the only means of access between the spaces, then you would run the risk of having to close off one space or the other to contain noise. In that case, it could be better to have a second, standard point of entry such as single or double doors off to the side.
Another solution to the above could be a large, operable window sans screen. Screens, while keeping bugs and other animals out, does create a visual and physical barrier between indoors and outdoors. Something like a folding window would provide more flow between the two spaces, while being less of a hassle to close off if noise levels or weather become an issue. Additionally, a folding window, if it folds the correct direction, could have the benefit of creating a canopy over the window when open, helping to keep minor weather inconveniences out.
Image taken from here.
On a similar note, continuing the ceiling or roof plane of the adjacent indoor space creates a visual plane that continues and reinforces the spatial constraints of the indoor space outside.This continuation could be impermeable like the inside ceiling, or it could be more open to allow visual connection to the sky. This could be through use of a pergola or similar structure, or even through something as simple as strands of lighting that follow the same plane.
The creation of zones or outdoor rooms. Using half-walls, greenery, and furniture, it’s easy to create different zones in your outdoor space, not unlike the rooms inside a building. These are great for creating semi-private spaces, while still allowing for visual connection when you use half-height barriers.
Visual Connections:
Large expanses of open glass act much the same way as a door-wall, at least visually, while still providing a barrier to keep out unwanted pests and weather. Visually connecting an outdoor space to a populated indoor space helps it to feel less isolated.
Another trick is to use glazing to dissolve the corner, so to speak. This allows for wider views of the outdoors than one-walled windows.
If passageways between two major parts of a building exist, making them majority glazing can help to connect them to an adjacent outdoor space.
Photo by JLF & Associates, Inc. - Search exterior home pictures
Continuation of materials is one that could also fall under physical connections, depending on the materials, but it’s primarily a visual connection. Continuing a pattern or color palate from indoors to outdoors helps to increase flow between the two spaces.
Image taken from here.
