Landscape architects are increasingly turning traditional schoolyards into vibrant green oases, redefining the way outdoor spaces are utilized in educational settings. These oasis schoolyards replace asphalt and concrete with lush greenery, natural play areas, and sustainable elements, creating spaces that promote well-being, learning, and environmental stewardship. This innovative approach not only transforms the aesthetics of school environments but also supports the physical and mental health of students, making schoolyards more engaging and eco-friendly.
What Are Oasis Schoolyards?
Oasis schoolyards are redesigned outdoor spaces that incorporate natural elements such as plants, trees, water features, and organic play areas. Unlike traditional schoolyards dominated by hard surfaces, oasis schoolyards are designed to be interactive, sustainable, and educational.
Green Spaces:Â Incorporating grass, shrubs, and trees to provide shade and create a cooler, more inviting environment.
Educational Gardens:Â Spaces where students can learn about nature, grow plants, and participate in hands-on environmental education.
Natural Play Areas:Â Playgrounds made of natural materials like wood, stone, and sand, encouraging imaginative and active play.
Water Management Systems:Â Features like rain gardens, permeable pavements, and water collection systems that help manage stormwater and reduce flooding.
Innovations by landscape architects in Oasis courtyards
Landscape architects play a crucial role in the design and realization of oasis courtyards. Here are just a few of the innovations they bring to the table:
Ecological and sustainable designs: landscape architects use natural materials and ecological techniques to create spaces that respect the environment. For example, they favor permeable surfaces to improve rainwater management and reduce the use of chemicals by opting for local, hardy plants.
Incorporating play elements: Instead of conventional plastic play structures, oasis courtyards favor natural play areas with elements such as tree trunks, rocks, sand and water basins. These spaces encourage free play, creativity and interaction with nature.
Community participation: Landscape architects often involve students, teachers and parents in the design and planting process. This collaborative approach creates spaces that truly meet the needs of the school community, and strengthens the bond with the project.
Benefits of Oasis Courses for Children and Communities
Oasis courtyards offer many benefits, not only for the children, but also for the schools and surrounding communities:
Improved Health and Well-being: Studies show that green and natural spaces reduce stress, increase concentration and encourage physical activity. Children spend more time playing and interacting with their environment, improving their overall well-being.
Environmental education: Oasis classes serve as a live learning ground for students, enabling them to connect with nature and understand the importance of sustainability and biodiversity.
Strengthening Community Links: By involving families and local residents, oasis course projects reinforce the sense of community and encourage civic engagement around conservation and ecology.encouragent l'engagement civique autour de la conservation et de l’écologie.
Inspiring examples of Oasis courses
Many schools around the world have already successfully adopted the oasis courtyard concept:
École des Grands-Champs, Paris: This school transformed its courtyard by integrating green spaces, shaded areas with vegetated pergolas, and a vegetable garden for the pupils. The project was designed to encourage outdoor play and learning.
Primary School Amsterdam, Netherlands: This school replaced its concrete playground with a vegetation-rich space featuring natural play areas, a biodiversity garden and relaxation areas. Children are actively involved in maintaining the gardens, learning to care for their environment.
Anna Scher High School, Berlin: With a design focus on sustainability, this oasis courtyard incorporates rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels for lighting, and interactive play areas designed to raise students' awareness of environmental challenges.
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