September doesn’t just mark the start of Autumn, it’s also the start of a new term! And, despite the cooler weather being on the horizon, September is also usually surprisingly sunny, perfect for alfresco dining.
If you work in a senior school, you might be eager to invest in an alfresco dining area. Alfresco dining areas can be used all year round, and are a great way to welcome pupils back to school.
Here at A&S Landscape, we believe that a dining area canopy is a great way to encourage alfresco eating. Not only are our canopies completely weatherproof, they are also a great way to get pupils and staff outdoors during the Autumn months.
Luckily for you, this blog will hopefully encourage alfresco dining by explaining the benefits and showcasing some of our favourite dining canopies. We will also give you some tips on how you can embrace alfresco dining in Autumn. Let’s delve into it!
Why is Alfresco Dining Important in Schools?
By definition, alfresco means ‘eating in the open air’. Eating outdoors can be hugely beneficial for pupils, exposing them to vitamin D and allowing them to connect with nature.
As well as creating a positive atmosphere, there are plenty of reasons why alfresco dining is important in schools, especially during the autumn season. Let’s have a look at some of these reasons in a bit more detail.
Exposure to Fresh Air
Autumn can be tricky and unpredictable when it comes to the weather. However, something we can guarantee with our canopies is that staff and pupils can enjoy them all year round! Unlike the summer months, the autumn time exposes pupils to fresh and crisper air.
And, even though the clocks go back, pupils can still catch plenty of sunlight and vitamin D during their lunch break. Exposure to fresh air is extremely important, especially for pupils who have been cooped up inside for most of the day. Not only will alfresco dining reduce stress, but it can also improve cognitive function, leading to better problem-solving skills.
Environmental Benefits
Spending time outdoors can help students understand the importance of their environment and the nature around them. Being exposed to nature has an instant calming effect, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. This is particularly important for students to experience during their lunch hour, the only time of the day when their brains aren’t focusing on problem solving.
An alfresco dining area can also reduce your school’s carbon footprint by decreasing energy consumption, unlike energy that would be used to heat an indoor space such as a classroom or indoor canteen.
However, a lot of our dining canopies come with the option to add extra lighting or heating, perfect for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. This way, students can feel the comfort of being indoors while being exposed to nature!
Increased Social Skills
It’s no surprise that going to school increases pupils’ social skills, and dining alfresco is one of the reasons for this. Eating outdoors is a great way to create an informal and relaxed atmosphere, building a community amongst students where they can chat about their day and what they are having for lunch.
The casual setting of an alfresco dining area can also help to reduce social anxiety as it is a lot less intimidating and claustrophobic than a classroom, making it easier for students to interact with their peers. With autumn being a busy time of year, and especially daunting for new students, they will have lots to chat about during these exciting months.
Still need encouraging? Check out these 5 benefits of an outdoor dining area.
Invest in an Outdoor Dining Area
This Autumn, your pupils don’t have to miss out on dining alfresco just because the weather is starting to feel more crisp. Luckily for you, we have an incredible range of alfresco dining canopies perfect for encouraging outdoor eating in schools.
Motiva Linear™
The Motiva Linear™ is our monopitch (asymmetric) straight roof variant, meaning that one side is higher than the other. Mostly used for walkways and outdoor dining areas, this structure can achieve widths of up to 10000mm, meaning that you can fit hundreds of pupils underneath at lunchtime.
If you’re worried about the rain or wind, don’t worry, as you have the option to add side panels for extra shelter. This canopy is easy to install and is the perfect way to encourage pupils to dine alfresco during those slightly warmer months.
Motiva Expanse™
For a cosy and autumnal alfresco dining area, consider our impressive Motiva Expanse™ structure. This design is the future of school dining and is the answer to overcrowded and congested indoor canteens. Choose from a standalone or attached structure, and taper to your school’s needs.
You can also opt for extra features such as flooring, lighting, heating, or seating. During those autumn months, these features will really come in handy, especially extra heating and cosy lighting. This canopy is also completely wind-safe, meaning that you can enjoy alfresco dining no matter what the weather!
Motiva Mono™
Or, if you’re after an asymmetrical design, our Motiva Mono™ is the perfect choice. This curved roof variant, where one side of the roof is higher than the other, is the standard configuration for canopies located against building elevations. Shading widths of up to 10000mm, it’s no surprise that this canopy is used as an outdoor dining area!
Like our other canopies, you can add side panels with various infill options and can choose from clear or opal roofing options. The post pads can be any colour you choose, so you can ensure it matches your school’s surroundings.
All of our dining canopies are a great choice to encourage alfresco dining this autumn – it’s up to you which one you choose!
How One Alfresco Dining Area Encouraged Pupils to Eat Outdoors
Dover Christ Church Academy, in Dover, wanted a protected area that could comfortably host students for lunch all year round while easing overcrowding in the school hall.
This secondary school wanted to increase their capacity to accommodate its 850 pupils during lunchtime. Our team worked with the school and we suggested our Motiva Vista™ canopy, measuring 15000mm x 15000mm. Its additional heating and lighting make it a comfortable space for students to enjoy dining alfresco all year round.
Read the full case study here!
Dine Alfresco This Autumn With A&S Landscape!
Hopefully, this blog has encouraged you to invest in an alfresco dining area. Whether you want your pupils to socialise, enjoy the fresh air, or simply have somewhere alternative to sit at lunchtime, we’ve got you covered!
At A&S Landscape, we offer completely bespoke canopies so you can design an outdoor dining area that is suitable for your needs. For more than 40 years we’ve helped countless clients design their own solutions to enhance their outdoor space – we’d love to include you.
Please get in touch with us today – a member of our team will be more than happy to get back to you!
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