LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
Issue link: https://landscapearchitect.epubxp.com/i/320919
80 Landscape Architect and Specifier News (Continued on page 82) multiple levels, including a large depressed area near the school's entrance. CBA Landscape Architects, parents, teachers and neighbors had three main goals: create an entry plaza for children and parents to use at the beginning and end of school days; develop a vibrant playground where the kids could run, play and exercise in a stimulating, safe environment; and design an outdoor classroom to give these urban children an opportunity to experience plants and nature. The entrance plaza was created at the primary access point to the schoolyard and the school. Children and parents walk through the plaza on their way to the main door. Parents wanted an inviting outdoor space to wait for their children and meet and visit with other parents. Before the redesign, the space was a narrow walkway, with a large sunken area whose original purpose was a mystery. Children would walk down a wide band of steps into the sunken space and jump rope or play tag, but they were invisible to recess monitors while they were down there. CBA brought the sunken space up to the grade of the adjacent sidewalk, added a raised planting area for shade trees and ornamental grasses, and placed brightly colored benches in a semi-circular pattern. The redesigned plaza has entirely changed the perception of the school for students, parents and visitors, and has become a favorite spot for conversation and socializing. The design of the large, expansive play area was shaped by the community's desire to have a theme for the schoolyard. Given the near proximity of the Charlestown Navy Yard and the historic USS Constitution, a wooden-hulled, three-mast frigate built in 1795, said to be the "world's oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat," the school adopted the ship and Navy Yard as the theme. Three flagpoles were erected on the terraced level above the playground to represent Above, Left The gate and chain link fencing (Stephen Pipe and Steel, Russell Spring, Ky.) separates the outdoor classroom from the old basketball court. The gate is designed so that just the "porthole" opens, requiring the children to slow down as they enter the outdoor classroom. The benches, storage space and planters are all made from recycled plastic. They were designed by the landscape architects, and constructed by the contractor (Aqua Line Utility). Top & Bottom, Right The old playground was an uninspiring, cracking asphalt area. The colorful poured- in-place (Vitriturf) safety surfacing really transforms the space. The new net climber (Corocord, a Berlin manufacturing specialist in playground "Spacenets") is a welcome addition to the still serviceable, existing play structure. Harvard Kent (Continued from page 78) Before 78-83.indd 80 5/23/14 3:45 PM