Creating Outdoor Spaces That Transform Productivity and Wellbeing 

In today’s fast-paced world, organizations across sectors are discovering a powerful tool for enhancing both productivity and wellbeing: thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces. Whether for corporate campuses, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, or lifestyle venues, bringing work and activities outdoors offers compelling benefits supported by research and practical experience. This blog explores how intentional outdoor environments—complete with specialized furniture and integrated technology—can revolutionize how we work, learn, heal, and live. 

 Corporate Environments: Boosting Creativity and Collaboration 

Corporate outdoor spaces have evolved far beyond simple break areas. Research shows that exposure to natural environments can boost creativity by up to 50%, while reducing stress and increasing job satisfaction. 

KEY BENEFITS: 

• Enhanced creative thinking and problem-solving 

• Improved collaboration in informal settings 

• Reduced stress and mental fatigue 

• Increased employee retention and satisfaction 

 ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS: 

• Weather-resistant workstations with power integration 

• Modular furniture that supports both individual work and team collaboration 

• Shaded areas with anti-glare screens 

• All-weather Wi-Fi and connectivity solutions 

 CORPORATE APPLICATIONS 

Our strategic partners offer tailored solutions for corporate outdoor spaces: 

• Outdoor Meeting Pods: Self-contained meeting spaces with integrated power, connectivity, display technology, and climate control. 

• Work Terraces: Modular furniture systems that can be arranged in various configurations, featuring weather-resistant work surfaces with built-in power and data. 

• Social Hubs: Multi-functional spaces that support both informal collaboration and social interaction, incorporating audio systems and ambient lighting. 

 When Salesforce incorporated outdoor workspaces in their San Francisco headquarters, they created “collaboration terraces” with weather-resistant furniture and technology integration points. They reported increased spontaneous collaborative sessions and improved employee satisfaction scores following implementation. 

 

Educational Institutions: Expanding the Learning Environment 

Educational institutions are increasingly recognizing that learning needn’t be confined to traditional classrooms. Outdoor learning spaces offer dynamic environments that support multiple teaching approaches while connecting students with nature. 

 KEY BENEFITS: 

• Improved attention spans and reduced behavioral issues 

• Enhanced retention of information 

• Development of environmental awareness 

• Opportunities for experiential learning 

 ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS: 

• Flexible seating arrangements for various class sizes 

• Weather-protected technology hubs with charging stations 

• Outdoor whiteboards and presentation areas 

• Durable tables with built-in project spaces 

 EDUCATION SOLUTIONS 

For educational institutions, our strategic partnerships yield: 

• Outdoor Classrooms: Weather-resistant seating with integrated writing surfaces and storage for educational materials. 

• Study Pods: Individual and small group study spaces with acoustic properties designed for focused work in outdoor settings. 

• Collaborative Learning Spaces: Reconfigurable furniture systems that support project-based learning with integrated technology. 

 Several universities have reported increased class engagement after implementing outdoor classrooms equipped with weather-resistant furniture and integrated technology. These spaces particularly benefit subjects requiring creative thinking or interdisciplinary approaches. 

 Healthcare Facilities: Promoting Healing and Recovery 

The healing power of nature is well-documented in healthcare settings. Outdoor spaces provide patients, visitors, and staff with essential respite while facilitating certain therapeutic activities. 

 KEY BENEFITS: 

• Accelerated patient recovery times 

• Reduced stress for healthcare workers 

• Improved mental health outcomes 

• Enhanced family visitation experiences 

 ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS: 

• Accessible seating with considerations for mobility challenges 

• Privacy-focused design elements 

• Therapeutic garden spaces 

• Weather-protected technology for telemedicine 

 HEALTHCARE IMPLEMENTATIONS 

Healthcare-focused solutions include: 

• Healing Gardens: Therapeutic outdoor spaces with specialized seating designed for patients with mobility challenges. 

• Staff Respite Areas: Comfortable, durable furniture arrangements that provide healthcare workers with true breaks from the clinical environment. 

• Telehealth Stations: Weather-protected tech-enabled spaces for conducting remote consultations in peaceful outdoor settings. 

 Research from the Healthcare Design Magazine shows that patients with access to healing gardens require significantly less pain medication and experience shorter hospital stays compared to those without nature access. 

 Lifestyle Venues: Creating Community Connection 

From multi-family complexes to hospitality venues, outdoor spaces foster community and enhance the overall living experience. 

 KEY BENEFITS: 

• Strengthened community bonds 

• Increased property values 

• Enhanced guest experiences 

• Extended usable space for various activities 

 ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS: 

• Multi-functional furniture for dining, socializing, and working 

• Integrated entertainment technology 

• Smart lighting systems for extended use 

• Weather adaptation features (heating, cooling, shade) 

 Luxury hotel chains implementing tech-enabled outdoor workspaces report guests extending their stays to enjoy these amenities, particularly among business travelers seeking work-life balance. 

 Furniture and Technology Integration: The Essential Elements 

Successful outdoor spaces require thoughtful furniture and technology selection designed specifically for outdoor use: 

 FURNITURE CONSIDERATIONS: 

• Weather-resistant materials (marine-grade stainless steel, treated hardwoods, specialized polymers) 

• Ergonomic design for extended use 

• Flexibility and modularity to support different activities 

• Sustainability in materials and production 

TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION: 

• Solar-powered charging stations 

• Weather-resistant displays and touchscreens 

• Robust outdoor Wi-Fi systems 

• Smart lighting with adjustable settings 

• Audio systems for presentations or ambiance 

 Industry leaders like Steelcase have developed specialized outdoor lines that combine durability with design excellence, while technology companies like Aruba Networks and Sonance provide weatherproof connectivity and audio solutions specifically designed for outdoor implementation. 

 Implementation Considerations 

When developing outdoor spaces, organizations should consider: 

1. Climate-specific design for year-round functionality 

1. Balance between technology access and nature connection 

1. Privacy and acoustics for productive work 

1. Accessibility for all users 

1. Maintenance requirements for furniture and technology 

1. Logistical solutions for storage during off-seasons as needed. (Link to d’ploy AIM) 

 Conclusion 

As our understanding of productivity and wellbeing evolves, organizations that embrace the potential of outdoor spaces gain significant advantages. By thoughtfully integrating specialized furniture and technology, these spaces transform from occasional amenities to essential parts of organizational infrastructure—enhancing productivity, creativity, health, and community connection. 

 The investment in quality outdoor furnishings and technology solutions pays dividends through improved outcomes across all sectors. As we look to the future of work, education, healthcare, and lifestyle design, outdoor spaces will increasingly become not just desirable but essential components of successful environments. 

 

Steelcase and Brand Partners: Pioneering Integrated Outdoor Solutions 

Steelcase, a global leader in office furniture and workplace solutions, has developed comprehensive outdoor offerings that seamlessly blend functionality, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Working with strategic brand partners, they’ve created ecosystems of products that address the unique challenges of outdoor environments while maintaining the professional standards expected in high-performance spaces. 

 Steelcase’s Outdoor Product Lines 

 Steelcase Work Outdoors 

Steelcase’s dedicated outdoor collection features furniture specifically engineered for professional outdoor use. Key products include: 

• Flex Outdoor Collection: Weather-resistant modular furniture systems that can be quickly reconfigured for different work scenarios—from collaborative sessions to focused individual work. 

• Coalesse Outdoor: High-design outdoor pieces that bring residential comfort to professional settings, including their signature EMU line of seating and tables featuring powder-coated steel frames and UV-resistant materials. 

• Extremis Partnership: Through their partnership with Extremis, Steelcase offers innovative solutions like the “Hopper” table series, which integrates seating and workspace in a single unit designed for outdoor collaboration. 

 Material Innovation 

Steelcase has invested heavily in material science to solve outdoor challenges: 

• Performance Fabrics: Their outdoor textiles incorporate Sunbrella and other performance fabrics that resist fading, repel water, and withstand UV exposure. 

• Metal Treatments: Specialized finishes and treatments on metal components prevent rust and corrosion even in coastal environments. 

• Composite Materials: Development of wood-alternative materials that maintain the aesthetic appeal of natural wood while offering superior weather resistance. 

 Brand Partners Enhancing Steelcase Ecosystems 

Steelcase has cultivated strategic partnerships with technology and specialized furniture manufacturers to create comprehensive outdoor solutions: 

 Technology Integration Partners 

• Microsoft Surface Hub Outdoor: Weatherproof versions of the Surface Hub collaboration display, designed for outdoor installation with anti-glare technology and enhanced brightness. 

• Crestron Outdoor: Control systems that manage lighting, sound, and environmental factors in outdoor spaces, all integrated with Steelcase furniture. 

• Aruba Networks: Enterprise-grade outdoor Wi-Fi solutions that ensure reliable connectivity, with access points discretely integrated into Steelcase furniture structures. 

 Specialized Furniture Partners 

• Extremis: Belgian outdoor furniture designer known for innovative social furniture concepts like the “Kosmos” sofa that combines seating and workspace in a single unit. 

• JANUS et Cie: High-end outdoor furniture with exceptional craftsmanship, offering pieces that blend seamlessly with Steelcase’s professional aesthetic. 

• Blu Dot: Modern design pieces that complement Steelcase’s offerings with a focus on accessibility and contemporary style. 

 Environmental Control Partners 

• Infratech: Producers of energy-efficient outdoor heating systems that integrate with Steelcase canopies and structures. 

• Big Ass Fans: Industrial-grade outdoor fans that provide air circulation in covered outdoor spaces, with mounting options designed specifically for Steelcase architectural elements. 

• Luceplan: Outdoor lighting solutions that combine functionality with aesthetic appeal, featuring integration points with Steelcase furniture. 

 

Case Studies of Successful Implementation 

 Tech Campus Transformation 

A major technology company in California implemented Steelcase’s Flex Outdoor system across their campus, integrated with Aruba Networks’ outdoor Wi-Fi solution. The spaces featured: 

• Reconfigurable work pods with integrated power and data 

• Weather-resistant display technology for presentations 

• Solar-powered charging stations 

• Retractable canopies for sun protection 

 The result was a 35% increase in reported employee satisfaction and a measurable increase in cross-departmental collaboration. 

 University Innovation Hub 

A leading university created an outdoor innovation space using Steelcase’s Coalesse line and technology from Microsoft and Crestron, featuring: 

• Weather-resistant collaborative furniture 

• Outdoor-rated digital displays 

• Integrated power throughout the space 

• Smart lighting systems that adjust based on time of day 

 Faculty reported improved student engagement and higher quality project outcomes from classes held in these spaces. 

 

 Future Innovations 

Steelcase and its partners continue to push boundaries with upcoming innovations: 

• Integrated Biophilia: Furniture systems that incorporate living plants and natural elements. 

• Zero-Energy Workspaces: Self-sufficient outdoor work areas powered entirely by renewable energy. 

• Smart Materials: Surfaces that can adjust properties based on weather conditions. 

• AR/VR Integration: Outdoor spaces designed to optimize augmented and virtual reality experiences. 

 By leveraging these partnerships, organizations can create outdoor environments that aren’t just functional alternatives to indoor spaces, but transformative settings that enhance productivity, wellbeing, and organizational culture.