Boston – Warner Larson Landscape Architects announced it has completed outdoor spaces for two K-12 public schools in Massachusetts.
The Smith Elementary School project in Danvers, Mass., with Tappe Architects, takes advantage of the natural grades to create an outdoor terrace that seamlessly transitions to the lower learning and play areas using an accessible walk built into the amphitheater seating and stairs. The school showcases several more outdoor spaces such as an outdoor terrace cafe, spectator seating overlooking the fields, hard courts and other small gathering areas.
Cape Cod Regional Technical School / Photo by Greg Premru Photography
Cape Cod Regional Technical School (CCRT) in Harwich, Mass., with DRA Architects, features two courtyards that can be utilized by students and faculty as spaces for eating lunch, outdoor learning, socializing, or hosting events. The school campus features many other outdoor spaces such as an entrance plaza with an engraved map of Cape Cod, an outdoor cafe supported by the culinary program, a substantial green roof and roof terrace, and an extensive athletic complex.
In times of rising costs and value management, outdoor spaces are facing scoping challenges to balance overall project budgets. Representatives of Warner Larson say they believe the key in designing these outdoor spaces for public schools is to allow flexibility in how they can be used for learning, social gathering, play and events.
