In an age of urbanisation and technology, how can we harness good design to encourage and support children to spend more time outdoors and engage in free-play and hands-on learning.
Landscape architect Hamish Dounan, Director of Sydney-based studio CONTEXT is dedicated to working with school communities to design outdoor landscapes that have nature at their heart, to support learning and development.
“With studies citing that increased time in nature aids the growth, development and wellbeing of children, biophilic design in education settings is critical,” says Dounan.
“Outdoor environments at schools can, and must go far beyond the formal ‘play’ provision.”
Drawing on his extensive experience working in the education sector, and specifically the studio’s work with TKD Architects to upgrade and extend Homebush West School in New South Wales, Dounan shares four key areas he and his team focus on when designing outdoor classrooms.
“Designing outdoor spaces that can be used and enjoyed by everyone in the school is critical,” says Dounan. Through extensive consultation with the school community and the wider project team – including local government, teachers, parents and students, landscape architects can ensure that design interventions are inclusive and accessible to all – considering factors ranging from gender to ability, neurodiversity, and cultural background.
A diverse range of outdoor spaces, from active sports to quiet play areas, outdoor classrooms, refuge areas and productive gardens ensures all students are able to reap the rewards of outdoor education. At Homebush West School, the landscape design incorporates details such as widened, recycled brick pathways, sensory and productive gardens, signage and plant labels – ensuring everyone feels a sense of inclusion.
Designing resilient landscapes that will stand the test of time is vital. Dounan says that, “Guided by our team of expert horticulturalists, our ecological strategies focus on planting native species – adapted to local conditions, they require minimal maintenance.” The bush play garden at Homebush West School has created a habitat that supports local wildlife such as Warbling Magpies, Lizards and Dragonflies. Creating an active and imaginative play space for students through mulch trails and stepping stone logs, the garden also encourages the students to appreciate Australian ecology, and support their development as future stewards of the environment.
Dounan also notes the importance of working closely with the architects to visibly embed water conservation and renewable energy systems throughout the designs. “Through including rainwater collection measures such as swales and rain chains which are then used in the productive gardens, alongside including solar panels and wind turbines, the students are encouraged to learn about ecological cycles and responsible resource use.”
With the studio avoiding the creation of prescriptive zones that have fixed uses for one specific sport or activity, Dounan says, “we design natural multi-functional spaces, which can be adapted over time to meet changing recreational and educational needs”. The rooftop garden at Homebush West School exemplifies this approach, where spaces include a large open lawn area, alongside several play structures between soft-fall mounds and a small amphitheatre and running track. Here, each area is designed to accommodate different sized groups and different student needs.
Creating comfortable spaces, such as the shaded tiered amphitheatre at Homebush West School, that can be used in all weather conditions, is crucial. Canopy cover can create both shaded and fully-covered environments which, when integrated with moveable furnishings like outdoor rugs and beanbags can be used as play and learning spaces throughout the year.
“The setting – whether that be urban or rural – is also critical to informing design decisions, particularly around curating a material palette – considering how colour, texture, composition and source will stimulate the students and respond to the climate in different ways,” says Dounan. Notably across all projects, the studio prioritises using natural materials that as far as possible are locally manufactured
At Homebush West School, providing seating throughout the site was a key part of the brief. In response, CONTEXT designed a combination of curved and straight benches comprising a combination of both pre-cast concrete and natural materials such as sandstone logs. Encircling planting beds and looking out to the playground, the seating design promotes informal social gatherings and provides opportunities for group learning in an outdoor setting.
Well-designed landscapes promote sustainability and inclusion while creating spaces that stimulate curiosity and enjoyment – encouraging children to thrive. Thoughtfully incorporating native species, sensory elements, dynamic play opportunities and an atmosphere of imagination, landscape architects are able to craft outdoor classrooms that benefit children and the environment alike.
