Topic
The Archispeak University (AU) series provides educational content for architects and designers.
In this episode, Frank Cavanaugh from Aria Group shares insights on designing outdoor spaces, focusing on essential considerations for architects. From the importance of local ordinances and understanding health department requirements to the significance of context, lighting, and material selection, this episode covers it all. We also touch on unique challenges such as integrating landscape, seasonal usability, and maintaining brand consistency. Tune in to learn about the critical elements that create remarkable and functional outdoor hospitality environments.
About Frank Cavanaugh:
As Principal, Frank leads a talented team of architects and interior designers as a studio leader. As a member of the Board of Directors, he advises on the overall direction of the firm. Frank also is involved as a Project Designer on various small and large-scale projects, in particular Planning projects within the office.
Frank has led and designed many large-scale projects throughout his career at Aria Group. Large retail and mixed-use projects include City Park Retail Center, The Esplanade of Algonquin. Hospitality and Entertainment designs include the original Hawthorne Casino & Racecourse, Brookfield Zoo - South American Market Place, Blue Chip Resort Hotel and Casino, Viper Alley at City Park, Park Plaza in Bowling Green KY, and Alsea’s Italianni’s restaurant brand in Mexico City. Municipal projects include the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center entry addition and G Hall expansion in Rosemont, IL. Hotel projects include work with Hyatt, the Chicago Hilton, The Wit Hotel, the Palmer House Hilton and The Conrad in Chicago. Frank has also developed many new concepts for Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises over the years, including the design of several Wildfire restaurants. Frank also works with Served Well Hospitality in Massachusetts on several entertainment and hospitality projects.
In 1995 Frank joined Aria Group and was promoted to Principal in 2000. He began his career working at the office of Krueck and Olsen Architects. Frank moved on to the office of Lohan Associates where he became an Associate and Project Designer for several corporate and institutional projects including the DePaul Library in Chicago. In addition to producing architectural renderings for Aria Group’s designs, Frank also works at photography, drawing, plein air painting and studio painting. He has completed several painted mural commissions for his architectural clients as well as other publicly displayed work and is a member of the Oak Park Art League.
Frank’s Outdoor Design Checklist:
Understanding context and location.
Surrounding influences. Views, pedestrian and vehicular traffic, sound, climate, sun angles, prevailing winds. Required crash barriers.
Roof deck – proximity to mech. equipment, vents. Views. Sound control.
Site easements and set-backs.
Sewer and utilities access.
Adjacencies. Access to kitchen, bar, service stations, entry, host, trash.
Circulation and access. Separate guest and service access. Flow from inside. Required access limitations.
Local ordinance restrictions. Zoning, building code, health department, fire suppression. Bug screens, air curtains, open or closed kitchens. Birds and the Bees.
Identify extent of use and level of performance.
Year round, seasonal. Dependent on climate. Heaters, misters, fans, ventilation.
Rain, sun, wind, temperature control levels.
Flexible enclosures. Vinyl roller shades, Adjustable fabric roof, louver systems, sliding windows.
Use. As overflow dining, added amenity, bar service.
Private party option.
Potential for future permanent enclosure.
Cleanability
Food prep/cooking. Health department criteria.
Planning Considerations.
Seating types. Free standing table flexibility, booths, banquettes, lounge seating, bar seating.
Required access and egress base on F & B offerings.
Required restroom fixtures. Added to interior occupancy.
Bars. Seated (number of seats) or service bar.
Proximity to kitchen and service.
Host or self-seating.
Separation/connection to inside seating and traffic flow.
Visibility from public way. Featured, concealed.
Sound and visual buffers. Walls, screens, landscape.
Features. Water feature, fire element.
ADA seating/access.
Sound control.
Structural, civil and MEP Considerations.
Budget. Steel, aluminum systems, wood, hybrid system.
Foundations. Piers, grade beams, ledger beams on adjacent structure considering bearing capacity. Underground obstructions, utilities, sewers.
Drainage. Roof drains, pavement draining/slopes.
Lighting. Spot/ambient lighting. Featured element lighting, dimming controls, transformer locations.
Heating/cooling. Electric, natural gas or propane heaters. Cooling fans, misters. Condensation concerns. Fresh air. CO2 detection for seasonal enclosures.
Would also add in if heaters will be recessed, then consideration for ceiling placement/cut outs
Irrigation/maintenance. Hose bibs, hose storage. Automatic Sprinklers/misters.
Floor design. Slab on grade, tile, wood pavers. Drainage and trip hazards.
Product durability and performance.
Furniture/fabrics durability for outdoor use. Light fixtures. Damp or wet rated. Coastal salts. (Bromic Platinum Electric Marine)
Furniture glides on pavements.
Seasonal storage. In place when not in use. On-site. Off-site.
Ambiance
Mood and feel, day and night. Light level adjustments.
Relation to design style of adjacent structures.
Connection to interior of adjacent structures. Sliding doors/windows, indoor/outdoor bars
Level of brand identity. Colors, graphics, messaging.
Organics. Trees, seasonal planting in-ground/containers.
Warmth and textures. Area rugs. Screens.
Focal points
Progression of experience. Continuation of interior or transition pathways and portals.
This episode has been made possible with the generous support of Bromic Heating.
