Naturescape Intelligence
Kimberly Case & Hannah Marshman
The goal of Naturescape Intelligence is to provide a successful educational landscape for Caroline Elementary. The design of Naturescape Intelligence engages students in experience by implementing a system of programmed‘habitats’ that have been designed to engage all interests and learning types. Naturescape Intelligence draws upon the natural ecology on site to reinforce design implementations. Naturscape Intelligence is all tied together by the team building obstacle course proposed in the southeast of the forested area. Implementing a place within the site that gives students an opportunity to engage in challenge and experience activities outside ‘comfort zones’ will have positive effects within Caroline Elementary and within the community. The teambuilding obstacle course will not only reinforce the importance of social skills such as teamwork, communication, initiative, patience and problem solving but will also encourage students to step outside ‘comfort zones’ and increase confidence among students. ‘Play’ is often pre-determined by the built environment and creativity is often limited within the bounds of a plastic playscape. Naturescape Intelligence proposes unique play experiences that utilize key existing spaces on site such as the two courtyards that sit on both the east and west sides of the building. Keeping in mind the relationship of the indoor classrooms that have views immediately outside of the classroom were important in the design process. The courtyards allow for interrelationship and multifunctional space. Manipulating the topography in and around the eastern courtyard will not only foster kinesthetic play but create ‘rooms’ of quiet nook space for the intrapersonal child. Plant materials will reinforce these quiter spaces and attract wildlife -- creating an observational experience both inside and outside of the building. The implementation of the study tributary into the courtyard will teach students about the movement of water and storm water management. The western courtyard fosters a logistical and mathematical plan with an oversized checkerboard and a challenging line maze. With an entrance located from the cafeteria to the courtyard, it is an optimal space for potential outdoor dining. Designed boundaries will make outdoor lunch supervision feasible. Additional saftey improvements have been designed to reinforce ‘boundaries’ and bus-loading organization. In order to improve the accommodation of at least ten large buses, Naturescape Intelligence proposes to not only use the north entrance but to also accommodate five buses to load and drop-off at the west entrance as well. This will help alleivate congestion of both vehicular and human orientation. The overall vision of Naturescape Intelligence is to incorporate and educate children of all intelligences and personalities while creating a multi-functional landscape that will welcome creativity and play. Caroline Elementary is a unique, special school that has so much to offer. It is our intention to only add to the ongoing success of Caroline Elementary.