As people realize the necessity of outdoor space for our health, it is no different for educational facilities. The outdoor learning environment has become an increasingly popular option for educational facilities because of its benefits to students' mental health and academic performance.

Flexibility is an essential component in creating a successful outdoor learning space. Although the primary use is for education, it can also transform into a place for campus activities and students to collaborate. When designing a multi-use outdoor space, there are several elements to consider, such as seating, protection against the sun, and mobility. Landscaping is a fantastic way of elevating the aesthetics and providing shade and privacy to the outdoor space. Planters offer flexibility in your outdoor learning space and allow for a change in layout without being permanent.

Spaces between the buildings are another underused area facilities often overlooked. Baruch College in New York City transformed the adjacent street into a pedestrian plaza to provide flexible open space accessible to the campus community and neighbors. The new pedestrian plaza will not only create a safe space for the campus community to study and collaborate but also create a place for locals to enjoy the outdoors. Baruch College incorporated TerraCast® Step Planters in the design of their pedestrian plaza, which allowed for a seamless design between the city and college while providing some shade, privacy, and aesthetic element.

Some of the key ingredients in designing a successful outdoor learning space are:

When compressed site conditions require the open spaces to be vertical instead of horizontal, consider utilizing the roof space to create the outdoor learning space. TerraCast^® Planters are lightweight, making them suitable for roof applications, where weight is a concern. The material is weather-resistant and can withstand year-round exposure to the outdoor environment, even in cold climates.