This thesis report presents an innovative outdoor seating system that incorporates sustainable materials and environmentally responsible design principles into an appropriate environment for use in any given climate year round. The investigation included research about products and materials in the marketplace, particularly of durable, weatherproof materials made up of recycled components that would help to conserve natural resources. Product research also dealt with solar powered light and heat emitting devices, which would help to improve our ecosystem, as alternatives to gas and electric powered heat lamps and lights. In addition to compiling regional climate and cultural information, interviews were conducted with users of domestic patio and deck spaces, outdoor restaurants, and parks to address existing problems in current seating and outdoor layout systems and available spaces for outdoor recreation.;Findings from the material and product research were combined with the qualitative interview results to design a singular system that integrates selected elements of material, furniture, and space design into the innovative, multiclimate appropriate system. The study concluded that not only is an integrative solution viable, as presented, but that the opportunity exists for designers from the disciplines of industrial and environmental design to collaborate with exterior and landscape architects to create innovative product and space design solutions that would enable people to come together throughout the year to enjoy the outdoors and each other's company.
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