Outdoor work and appealing workspaces can foster creativity, social interactions, and well-being, enriching a city’s network of public spaces and contribute to it’s liveliness.

In the Netherlands there are 3800 business parks. 1 out of 10 companies are located in such a park, almost a third of the jobs can be found in such environments. It’s vital to highlight the often overlooked aspect of placemaking and vibrant cities: work and workplaces and explore how bringing work outdoors can invigorate the city and improve well-being, as well as how green, appealing, and distinctive workplaces contribute to the urban environment. Additionally, it’s crucial to address the challenge of reintegrating people into office spaces and urban life after the pandemic.

Together with Ioana Biris, founder of Nature Desks and Outdoor Office Day, Päivi Raivio & Daniel Bumann, co-founders of Parkly, created a session around this topic for the latest edition of Placemaking Week Europe in Rotterdam. The session focused on collaboratively designing green and sociable outdoor work areas and raising awareness about their importance.

Following the workshop, we compiled an inspiring handbook filled with practical tips, design strategies, and compelling arguments for creating inviting spaces that encourage outdoor work.

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