So right now, buildings don't have interior and so all the workbenches are outside.
The one exception here is the village/town hall, which do have interiors. So why not actually take advantage of these interiors? You made them, may as well use them. Why are the research tables outside? I just think it'd be a nice touch to see those researchers working under the shelter of a roof, what with the candles being exposed to the elements and all...