In response to Covid in 2020, the Halton District School Board undertook the addition of outdoor classrooms for a number of school sites, in addition to entire site renewals and/or renovations.
At high school in Oakville, OMC designed a courtyard/play space in the center of the school for use to meet the diverse physical, psychological and social needs of the entire student body. Green space in school environments is a key factor in improving student health and well-being. The design for the interior courtyard tied into the main entrance by increasing opportunities for natural plays spaces and exploration in a simplified, managed way. These spaces encourage students to interact with nature while utilizing play spaces. Low maintenance green space in the interior courtyard created individual activity nodes and supported the preservation of two existing large trees. Our final design for the front entrance increased accessibility, improved safety and visual appeal, created gathering spaces with open sightlines for safety and supervision; provided seating, shaded spaces, and improved exterior lighting.
Project
Outdoor Classroom at a Secondary school
Client
Town of Oakville
Services Provided
Design
Construction Documentation
Contract Administration
