Designing Great Patio Space
Size and Scale Issue          
J. Gieo Pensoneault, MLA

One of the most important aspects of designing patio space is getting the dimensions  right for the desired use of the outdoor room.   It ‘s a question of size and scale…. and one of the hardest aspects of design to master.   The signature of an experienced designer is having skills of working with scale to make a space feel expansive, or intimate and suitable for the needs of the client.

Whenever I beginning work on a new patio or garden project, I always start with an inquisitive list of questions such as…..   How much entertaining will be done?,  how many people do you have over?,  are you a gardener? or hope to be one?.   What type of outdoor entertaining and relaxation activities do you enjoy?   Getting a clear idea for how the outdoor space will be used will help ensure the right ideas go into the design.

Patios can include designed areas for: Dining, Seated Gathering, Outdoor Cooking, Fireplaces, Pools and Spas for relaxing.   Every activity even seating needs a certain space to feel and look right.   Larger areas for dining and gathering along with smaller more intimate spots, will extend the use of the outdoor space.

A hierarchy of different size outdoor spaces will create variety and interest in the landscape.  Larger dominant spaces will take the center stage and stake claim to the most focused interest of the design.   Smaller nooks such as this round herb garden patio are intended for more intimate socializing.

This small circular herb garden space, shown above, is the perfect spot for an informal setting. It is located off from a large front entry patio and becomes the small space to get away to and enjoy a parting conversation.

In the rear of this same house is a larger outdoor grilling and dining patio.  In one corner of the patio, below is a smaller semi circular space that includes a built in fire pit.  The smaller, set off spaces shows how a hierarchy of spaces can be made within the same patio.  Low seating walls are used to define the spaces and create the sense of enclosure.

When the dimensions of a space are right, there is a magical comfort and enjoyment that is noticeable. An outdoor patio that has enough space for larger groups will naturally become the magnet for social affairs. When the needs for entertaining are smaller, a more intimate sized patio will provide the magic feel.

To get ideas for patios planning and designing, enjoy the Ideal Files on The New American Landscape channel.  The selection of photographs and drawings provide extensive inspiration and can help you get started with your project.  Designers and contractors often use this resource in developing inspiration for a new project.   All the images in the Ideal Files contain email sharing options to send to a friend.