The Science of Plazas, for Patios

What have neuroscientists learned about plaza design that you can apply in your patio:

• Design for what you actually want to happen on that patio.If you enjoy barbequing, not compromise on space for the grill.  Want to feel the sun on your skin? Don’t build in the shade.  And so on. Also, zone, via seating, or whatever you can, for groups of different sizes or who might prefer to spend time in different ways.
• An elongated patio is likely to feel more spacious than a more square-ish one.
• Add gently moving water in a bubbler type fountain or whatever works best for you (a couple of feet tall in all is fine)—the sound and the visuals of the water will help keep people on the patio relaxed.
• Provide more seats than you’re likely to ever actually need.We prefer that no more than 70% of the seats around us are filled.  While you’re thinking seats—don’t forget the info on seat cushions as well as the material on safe seats with a view in this article and this one.
• Also, be biophilic, as discussed in this article LINK—use natural materials and ones that show their age gracefully, for example, and patterns (for 2-D) and furniture (for 3-D) that’s heavy on the curving lines and forms to keep people feeling comfortable.
• In spaces for hanging out with friends, feature lots of warm colours.

A recommended reference:

Jan Gehl. 2010. Cities for People. Washington, DC: Island Press