The courtyard of the Moana Surfrider hotel on Waikiki beach on Oahu, Hawaii, is a place that works, because most of the people who visit it don’t—they relax. The courtyard’s design bursts the stress balloon that seems to follow each of us everywhere.
There are a variety of seating options in this courtyard, some more shaded than others, some with food service, some without, all bathed in the warm glow of wifi service for those who have “work separation anxiety.” The ability to select a seat that aligns with their plans—to get a little sun, to eat, or something else—gives people in this space a feeling of control over their own experience. Having environmental control is often seen as a luxury because it is so rarely available. People who choose to sit in a rocking chair can also not only relocate their chair but rock, or not, at their desired pace, upping their control quotient while still keeping it within pleasant bounds. Feeling in control is great for us, mentally and physically, as discussed in this article.
The courtyard also features aspects of biophilic design—views out over the area from protected nooks, dappled light, natural building materials, and gentle movement via temperate breezes, for example. Humans are very, very comfortable in biophilicly designed spaces. Often outdoor space are stripped of biophilic design elements, so their presence here is noteworthy. For more on biophilic design, read this article.
People sitting in the courtyard can both see and hear the ocean and research has repeatedly shown that being close enough to the sea to hear and see it is great for us—such spots smash stressful thoughts to smithereens as wave after wave crashes to the shore.
The design of the Moana Surfrider courtyard works because its built elements support and strengthen the seaside’s inherent ability to refresh and restore the people who visit it.