Atmosphere in External Environments

I'm working with a number of schools in designing all aspects of new buildings including the external areas at the moment. Budgets are tight and we all have to think creatively and imaginatively about appropriate design within the constraints we have.

Typically students have indicated that amongst the bigger ideas and MUGA's they want small intimate areas, that whilst being easily supervised allow them opportunities for small group social chat or working. They also frequently indicate that they want planting and trees to bring nature into their spaces. Careful design with planting and one-off features can add enormously to the environment and not take up too much space.

Too often schools consider what the front of their school look like to visitors and the local community and then economise in the student areas. If we asked the young people more, they could help schools do things an awful lot better!!