OUTDOOR CLASSROOM
North, Texas | Campus
Outdoor classrooms play a vital role in education and should be seamlessly integrated into school design from the beginning of design. Viewing them as outdoor rooms rather than just landscapes ensures they are accessible, functional, and safe, setting them up for long-term success.
This proposed 3,000-square-foot outdoor space includes:
- A classroom with stone block seating
- A 200-square-foot project area
- A 1,500-square-foot experimental garden
- A sidewalk that doubles as an egress path
- Architectural screening for child safety
The garden incorporates stormwater collection, directing rainwater from the school’s roof through rain chains into a cistern for use in the garden. This system not only supports sustainability but also serves as a hands-on learning tool. Additionally, the outdoor classroom functions as a light well, bringing natural light into adjacent indoor spaces.
This thoughtful design enhances learning by blending nature, sustainability, and functionality into the school environment.
Project Team | Blane Potts, PLA, ASLA, CLARB – Landscape Architect