Asking the Right Questions

by Jamie J. Gooch (editor@clubandresortbusiness.com)
March 2008
 

Especially In A Club or resort environment, it is critical to think about all potential uses when designing an outdoor space. For example, for a space that would adjoin an indoor dining area and overlook a first tee and an 18th green, a landscape architect suggests these as just some of the questions that must be considered:
• How should the space be oriented, to take full advantage of the views?
• How should the space be oriented to catch the sun in the mornings and evenings, but be in shade during the hottest parts of the day?
• How close can it be to the course without endangering outdoor diners or distracting golfers?
• What impact will it have on golf cart traffic?
• What impact will it have on golfer staging onto the first tee?
• How will it visually direct diners, golfers and club employees, to create efficient traffic patterns?
• Where will rain runoff drain to, and how will the site’s grade affect that?
• Should the space be visually, if not physically, divided into separate uses—such as one area for dining, another for a bar, and another for parties?
• What is needed to comply with the ADA?
• How should the space and pathways leading to and from the space be lighted, for both safety and aesthetics?
• How can the space be designed to facilitate future expansion?
• How can timeless design be ensured?