Open-air steel structures are increasingly being used to create healthier, safer, and more functional outdoor environments. From parks and recreation spaces to educational campuses and community gathering areas, these structures provide shade, weather protection, accessibility, and opportunities for social interaction while enhancing the overall user experience. This session explores how thoughtful design, material selection, and collaborative project delivery can support public health, safety, and welfare without sacrificing creativity or budget. Participants will examine the role of steel in creating durable, resilient, and sustainable spaces, evaluate design considerations that impact user comfort and safety, and explore how prefabricated solutions can improve project outcomes through efficient construction and quality control.
Learning Outcomes:
Analyze how open-air structures support health, wellness, thermal comfort, accessibility, and user safety within the built environment.
Evaluate when steel is the most appropriate material choice based on structural performance, durability, maintenance requirements, sustainability objectives, and lifecycle value.
Assess how collaboration among landscape architects, architects, engineers, manufacturers, and contractors contributes to safer, more functional, and cost-effective project outcomes.
Compare prefabricated and traditional construction approaches to determine their impact on project efficiency, quality control, site safety, and long-term performance.
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