Pedagogy has evolved from the traditional classroom space, with educators recognising the value of extending lessons into outdoor spaces, as well as understanding the positive influence that time spent in the open has on students’ wellbeing and social development.
Arcadia designs outdoor learning areas and play spaces which invite open ended interactions, spontaneity, risk taking, exploration, discovery and connections with nature, providing strong foundations for growing children and young adults.
We use a range of well-tested processes to ensure the outcomes meet the needs and expectations of all members of education institutions. Collaboration and engagement with the schools and students allows our designers to challenge the parameters of what constitutes learning space within a school campus.
By conducting design and consultation workshops with the teachers and staff, we gather valuable information about pedagogy and insights into the potential of the spaces for each institution to be provided for teaching and learning. The result is a vibrant space which responds to the needs of a wide array of users.
Arcadia appreciates the complexities of designing education projects with competing stakeholders and multifaceted interfaces. It is important to design flexible spaces which can accommodate current and evolving pedagogies.
Our future-proofed designs enable space to be re-allocated and reconfigured to stand the test of time. Arcadia looks beyond tried and tested technologies and pedagogies to deliver spaces which energize and inspire learners and tutors.
Our research goes beyond the potential for teaching and learning. We also discover local history and character for each school and use Arcadia’s unique methodology to share the narrative with the community through elements of the landscape design.
Weaving local narrative into school landscapes helps students connect with their “home base”. There is a growing recognition of the importance in creating a sense of place for students – it can help strengthen their sense of belonging, develop their personal identity and inspire stewardship. To get this place right is a huge responsibility that the Arcadia team understand and thrive on.
