Outdoor Recreation Spaces

Purpose

Outdoor Recreation Spaces provide shared outdoor areas that support recreation, relaxation, social interaction, wellbeing and community engagement within student residential accommodation. These spaces should offer safe, comfortable and inclusive environments that encourage active and passive use while enhancing the overall residential experience.

 

Design Objectives

Outdoor Recreation Spaces should:

• Provide safe, accessible and welcoming outdoor environments.

• Support recreation, leisure and social interaction.

• Promote student wellbeing, physical activity and community engagement.

• Accommodate a variety of informal and organised activities.

• Encourage connection with the natural environment.

• Provide appropriate shade, seating and weather protection.

• Ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all users.

• Incorporate durable, maintainable and sustainable landscape elements.

• Enhance campus character and residential amenity.

• Provide appropriate lighting and passive surveillance to support safety.

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Typical Furniture & Equipment

A standard outdoor recreation space should typically include:

• Outdoor seating and benches

• Picnic tables

• Covered shelters or gazebos

• Landscaped lawns and open spaces

• Walking paths and paved areas

• Outdoor lighting

• Waste and recycling bins

• Bicycle racks

• Wayfinding and information signage

• Shade structures or trees

• Recreational equipment (where applicable)

• Power outlets and Wi-Fi access (essential).