Sustainable Landscape Planning for Learning

EnvironmentsJennifer Dukes

Jeffrey Aiken

Matthew Smith

Clemson University

Sustainability

• To keep in existence; maintain

• A method of using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged

Proposal

To develop a complete landscape plan for Morrison Elementary School based on the school’s needs for function, sustainability, and education. Literature research, case studies of other schools, and interactions with contributing sources will contribute to the development of this landscape strategy.

Project Goals

•Design and educational outdoor environment for students, faculty, and community

•Incorporate elements of design to create an attractive landscape

•Achieve sustainability through design, plant selection, and maintenance considerations

•Meet clients needs for educational, enjoyment, aesthetics, and function

•Provide a supplement for teacher’s lessons in all curriculums

Objectives for Education

•Plant materials will be identified in designated areas

•Outdoor classrooms will be partially enclosed and will provide an ideal “laboratory” setting

•A nature trail will be marked with information signs about wildlife, vegetation, and the environment

•Various garden plots will be provided for each grade

•Plant material will be selected to attract wildlife

•Turf and mulch areas will provide playing/working surfaces

Objectives for Function & Sustainability

•Xeriscape principles and native plants will be used to reduce maintenance

•Trees will be placed and planted with mature root and branch spread considered

•Trees will be selected and placed to facilitate energy efficiency

•Trees will be designated to shade man-made surfaces and reduce “heat island” effect

Heat Island

•Trees and shrubs will be planted according to detail

•Beds will be covered with 3 inches of pine bark mulch

•Irrigation will be used to establish tree and shrubs

Tree Planting Detail Mulch Detail

Case Studies

River Ridge Elementary School - Moore, SC

Lockett Elementary School - Branchville, SC

Branchville High School - Branchville, SC

Dorchester Academy - St. George, SC

River Ridge Elementary School

Moore, South Carolina

Site Orientation

Relating Learning To Landscape

•Courtyards provide areas for interaction with plants

•Multiple access outlets from the interior of the school

•Native plant materials portray natural environment

•Labels provide both common and botanical ( Genus & species) names

Kindergarten Wing

•Each classroom has access to play area

•This access is also a covered patio area

•Area enclosed by fence

•No plants inside fence

•No trees close/large enough to provide shade

Access to Playground

•Use window for displays

•Some classes cared for plant in windowsill pots

•Most classes had virtually no plant material in this ideal location

Lockett Elementary School

Branchville, SC

Site Orientation

Interactive Landscape

•Groups of students joined to plant bulbs and annuals in beds around the school

•Many of the flowers were chosen by the students

Kindergarten Area

•Each classroom has access to play area which includes patio

•The area is enclosed by a brick fence & filled with sand

•Several shade trees such as Riverbirch have been located outside the area

1st - 5th Grade Play Area

•Flowers planted along sidewalk leading to play area

•Only one tree is planted in or near the area for shade

Branchville High School

Branchville, SC

This school is adjacent to Lockett Elementary

•Students have access to a greenhouse with cooling fans

•Some of the flowers planted on the school grounds are started here

•Various groups including FFA use the greenhouse

Dorchester AcademySt. George, SC

•The landscape provides areas to sit and gather

•The school is in the planning process of creating a garden in memory of students who have passed away