This schoolyard habitat project was
located at Daniel High School in Central, South Carolina. The area of the
school I chose to design was the cafeteria courtyard located at the rear
of the school. The courtyard is partially enclosed and has classrooms on
three sides with the cafeteria on its fourth side.
I tried to create a sustainable courtyard
that students could use both as a gathering place and as a possible outdoor
classroom. The majority of my design is composed of brick and cement to
withstand the heavy student foot traffic that moves through the area. I
used inlaid brick and cement to create a pathway that connects the student
parking lot to the main building. The large square in the middle of the
pathway is designed to create an area for the student to eat lunch and
have possible outdoor classes. The two benches located at two corners of
the courtyard also allow for students to sit and socialize while enjoying
the shade from the Chinese Elms. The Chinese Elms in the design will not
only create shade but will also create some interest with the exfoliating
bark, which will change over the years. Seasonal interest is incorporated
through the use of flowering trees like the Serviceberry and shrubs like
Camellias.
The overall design is to make the courtyard
more sustainable, create opportunities for students to learn by including
a Carolina Fence Garden at the entrance to the courtyard where students
could learn about native plants that attract animals of the Southeast.
The Carolina Fence Garden would not only attract animals but it will also
create a habitat for some the birds and butterflies animals it attracts.
Overall I wanted to create a courtyard that was not only functional but
also a pleasing place to sit and enjoy.
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