Outdoor stages, open skies: what big open-air shows teach us about outdoor spaces

Large open-air concerts, like the kind of pop shows Chappell Roan has become known for, are a useful reminder of how much thought goes into making an outdoor space work for people. Details about any specific show, venue name, date or ticketing should always be checked with the official artist or venue channels, and any event mentioned in older news may well have already taken place. What stays relevant is the design thinking behind gathering people outdoors, and much of it scales down neatly to an Australian backyard.

Shade and shelter come first

Outdoor venues plan for sun, wind and rain long before the first act arrives. At home the same logic applies. A pergola with adjustable louvres, a fixed-roof verandah or a well-placed gazebo decides whether a space gets used on a hot Sydney afternoon or sits empty. Think about where the sun falls at the times you actually use the area, not just at midday.

Flow, sightlines and surfaces

Concert layouts manage how people move, where they gather and what they can see. On a smaller scale, a deck or paved area works best when there is a clear path from the house, room for chairs to slide back, and a natural focal point such as a view, a fire pit or a pool. Level, non-slip surfaces matter more than most people expect once the space is busy.

Lighting and sound after dark

Open-air events depend on lighting that is atmospheric but safe. Low-glare path lights, warm overhead strips under a roof and outdoor-rated fittings make an entertaining area usable well into the evening. Be considerate with sound, too: local noise rules apply to backyard gatherings just as they do to venues.

Rules still apply

Just as venues work within permits, most permanent outdoor structures need some level of council approval or must meet exempt development conditions. Check with your local council before building. For more on structures and how they look in practice, browse the gallery or read our guides.