One of the most underutilized facilities on a property, whether it's a business or residence, are the ones outdoors. The phrase “weather permitting” is one you will find attached to several outdoor activities and events. There are several different methods used to combat the rain, wind, and sun and make exterior gathering areas usable for more days out of the year. Gazebos and canopies provide shelter from the sun and rain. Screens act as a windbreaker and keep out the bugs. Temperature, though, is difficult to control without placing so many physical barriers that your exterior area becomes interior. If it's too hot, people tend to stay indoors.
Costa Rica's tropical climate can be uncomfortable to those not adjusted to it. Exceptionally humid days compound the effect, and the heat will feel absolutely oppressive. The key to minimizing the heat is to view it as it relates to people. While the actual temperature outside can be high, the perceived temperature is what matters to those using the facility. Sweating is the natural defense of the body to being exposed to uncomfortable temperatures, but it also leads to discomfort and makes the perceived temperature rise.
The first and foremost defense against the head is to block or reduce direct sunlight. It's a well-known fact that being in the shade feels cooler than being in sunlight. Building a gazebo or having a permanently affixed canopy will achieve this goal. Additionally, some landscaping will be of benefit to this area. Strategic placement of trees around your outdoor area can provide shade not only to people under them, but it the air beneath them is cooler. The presence of shade is also psychologically beneficial as it is associated with relief from the sun.
Air management is also crucial to the effort. Hot air rises, and cool air sinks. Much like a house, all of the heat will be at the top, and you should provide a way for it to escape. Otherwise, body heat builds up beneath the ceiling. Also take into consideration that while you may be shielded from the sun beneath a structure, the structure is absorbing the heat and can transfer it down to you indirectly. A pathway to let that air escape will reduce the humidity and the heat.
When we sweat, the water evaporates and carries excess heat with it. Air currents amplify the effects of this process and reduce the perceived temperature. While stiff winds can cause problems for outdoor gatherings, a gentle breeze will make a hot day much more bearable. Use this to your advantage by placing your exterior gathering areas where they have access to the wind. If you have a problem with too much wind, you can place a windbreaker to slow it down while still receiving the benefits. You can consider wood, stone, or metal latticework depending on your architecture and aesthetic preferences. Even a tightly spaced wrought-iron fence can be used to reduce some of the wind, and you can plant ivy for added effect.
If the heat is still too high, you can consider employing some green technology. Since people lose a lot of water through sweat, offering a source of cool water can do wonders. Alternatively, a few companies are producing solar-powered misting machines which pump a very fine, cool mist into the air and have another mechanism to draw it (and the heat) out. A simpler option is to use a solar-powered fan to increase the airflow. You can't control the sun, wind, or humidity, but if you keep their effects on the body in mind, you can alter how they are sensed by people using the facility.