Art and nature have always been closely interconnected. This is because, ever since the dawn of time, man has had a predilection for changing the landscape, moulding it, while at the same time allowing himself be influenced by its power.

From “Community classrooms” to the social vocation of the outdoors: an interview with the architects of Glasgow-based O’DonnellBrown studio

 
A dimension that symbolises post-pandemic recovery and the use of space for new projects with a social vocation, architects are increasingly looking outdoors to host functions that were traditionally linked to the indoor world. The designers at the O’DonnellBrown Studio in Glasgow are well aware that they have revolutionised the idea of a school with their “Community classroom” project, creating an actual classroom designed as a system of wooden components to be assembled and modulated outdoors. Our interview with the architects of Jennifer O’Donnell and Sam Brown's team starts precisely from this new outpost of learning and sociality to raise the question: what does the future hold for the outdoors?

From the drive-in to home screenings: everybody loves outdoor cinemas

 
Magic and tradition: outdoor cinemas have always been a great summer classic offering both the appeal of a good story and the chance to spend some time together enjoying a film, which is made even more memorable thanks to the outdoor surroundings. After the sun sets, city squares, parks and corners are transformed into movie theatres offering a few hours of entertainment and cool respite from the summer heat. 

Summer at home: how to make your home an ideal holiday place, starting from the outdoors

After the recent lockdown, 2020 will be a year for rediscovering your home, even during the summer. A term that we'll probably all get to know better this year is staycation, taking a vacation while staying home. This means that those having an outdoor space to enjoy start with a big advantage.

How to make the most of sloping gardens

Designing a sloping garden requires several considerations such as control of the water, a particular focus on the safety of the materials and furnishings chosen, as well as the plants planted. Conditions which at first sight don't encourage the creation of a green space. But where there's a problem, often there's also an opportunity.

Green, participatory and therapeutic: a new architecture for public spaces
 
Returning to normality after the pandemic also means rebuilding the sociality lost during the months of lockdown, a dimension that takes on value in the community and makes the public space a place of rebirth. It is in the wake of this idea that the outdoors and architecture intertwine, combining aesthetics and social commitment. 

How do you design an outdoor space? We asked architect Andrea Boschetti, founder and artistic and scientific director of the Milanese studio Metrogramma. We talked about the origins of the relationship between architecture and outdoors, analysing the concept of outdoor space and trying to grasp the nuances that characterise it, as well as the evolutions it has gone through over time.

When we talk about architecture for hospitality, every element must be carefully designed to welcome and make comfortable those who will come to your hotel or facility.

Where to begin with the design of these indoor and outdoor environments dedicated to hospitality? We asked the architect Alberto Apostoli of Studio Apostoli in Verona.