Positive outdoor spaces are areas which are defined. Having a defined out space is as important as defining your living room or kitchen. Vary rarely will someone grab an outdoor chair and sit in the middle of an open space. They tend to sit near a tree or a stone wall, if one is available. A negative space is open and undefined. I observed many positive outdoor spaces when I visited Charleston, SC. Most of the downtown homes near the Battery Park had well defined positive outdoor spaces. This was done by stone or brick walls, manicured bushes, and even stone pavers that defined an area. A space can be defined by an L-shape in the house at the back yard with a small out building to complete the space. Anything that gives definition or boundaries can create this type of space. Below is a positive outdoor space on a grand scale vs. a smaller scale. The first example is Oak Alley in Louisiana and the second example is a home in Charleston. Oak Alley is created by the massive oaks. The second example uses an out building and wrought iron fence lined with plants.
Oak Alley
Charleston Home with Entrance into back yard
Think of positive outdoor spaces as an extension to your house. It is an outdoor room that provides comfort and enjoyment. You feel safe with defined boundaries and a place for the family to gather.
