This natural schoolyard offers a rich and versatile landscape that celebrates nature, imagination, and sensory exploration. Designed with and for children (5-11 years old) with diverse preferences, personalities, and play styles, this space invites students and their teachers to explore, experiment, and learn through activities embedded in a natural setting.
Rooted in the principles of nature-based learning, the design was co-created through participatory workshops with children and teachers to ensure that the final layout reflects the real needs and aspirations of its users. The result is a “discovery landscape” where quiet nooks, exploratory play areas, and multisensory materials come together in a harmonious whole. The space promotes both motor skill development and the soft skills essential for social interaction, creativity, and independent thinking.
An Edible Garden anchors one part of the design, offering opportunities for hands-on learning and environmental education. Its maintenance is intended to be integrated into the school’s curriculum, encouraging students to actively care for space throughout the year. Special attention is given to composting, which requires regular engagement and care. The planting strategy enriches the environment, providing year-round educational value as children observe changes in texture, color, and scent through the seasons. Evergreen vegetation near the boundary creates a natural screen, buffering noise and reducing air pollution, while also improving the visual experience from nearby classrooms and play areas.
With an additional outdoor, shaded classroom, this natural schoolyard is a vibrant, inclusive environment that supports children’s physical, emotional, and environmental development, which is embodied to the school’s mission to nurture environmental leaders and build a more responsible and engaged community.
