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DON’T LEAVE SMOKERS IN THE COLD THIS WINTER

16th November 2007, 3:37pm

The design of outdoor spaces has changed drastically since the smoke-free legislation was implemented in July, and with the winter months fast approaching designers are faced with the task of creating an outdoor space that is not only attractive, but comfortable and durable enough to survive until spring.

Associate Designer at Fluid Design Solutions, Gerard Mcelvenny, talks us through how he has maximised the use of outdoor space for clients since the legislation was introduced so smokers aren't left out in the cold.

Gerard explains: "The smoke-free legislation has certainly presented us with some challenges but it's invigorating to be able to design outside spaces that are a real focal point and are as important as interiors. With our designs we aim to bring the inside out and make the space as comfortable for customers as possible.

The new laws require a specific percentage of open air in any area to allow for smoking, but given the typical English weather it is important to have sufficient coverage in an outside area for it to be practical. However, this is sometimes tricky to achieve whilst conforming to the regulations.

As every project is different, we have experimented with several different methods to accomplish this such as canopies, umbrellas and awnings.

Along with considering methods of coverage, the regulations mean we have to think carefully about the ratio of walls to fresh air that exist in an open space. We were faced with this problem whilst working on a current project which was surrounded by walls meaning the ratio was not right. As a solution we took down all the walls and replaced them with railings to open up the area and increase the percentage of fresh air.

Once we have considered the legalities of a project, we have to consider other ways to make the design enjoyable for customers. A project we have recently completed for North operators Aquaclear Leisure Ltd that particularly show this is Saltwater bar and restaurant in Nottingham.

Saltwater is on the fifth floor of The Cornerhouse entertainment complex and overlooks the rooftops of Nottingham. We already had the advantage of the space being on the top of the building with three exposed sides, but this provided more of a challenge in creating an environment that would be comfortable for people to relax in whatever the weather.

There are all the obvious ways to achieve this through using heat lamps, external speakers, canopies, interesting planters and architectural lighting, but the main feature which really makes this area is the outside bar. We have incorporated an outside bar into several of our projects and found this really makes a difference, enabling the outdoor space to be just as functional as the inside and allowing customers to move through the venue.

Like the rest of the furniture we build in outside areas, the bars have to be a permanent fixture that is more durable and secure. At Saltwater we built the bar with concrete blocks and finished it with a brushed stainless steel top that is hardwearing and visually striking and wouldn't look out of place on an interior bar.

Furniture is another issue we are faced with when designing an exterior space. Like with Saltwater, we try to use fixed benches and bespoke outdoor furniture to provide a unique look and become a permanent fixture."

The design team at Fluid has both the operational experience and design flair to deliver innovative, exciting and practical solutions to your commercial space. To find out more please contact Melanie Fletcher on 0191 2211880, or visit www.fluiddesignsolutions.com

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