Large scale environmental project for special needs school, working with landscape architect Louise Hooper. Several areas were identified as priorities by the school, which have been separated into zones.

The Hub
Create new intersection of paths - where the child decides which area to explore.
The gateway uses drawings designed by the children and translated into forged steel shapes.

Ground Treatment
A variety of techniques were used to provide sensory stimulation, including resin bound aggregate, treadplate, cobbles, and ceramic inserts designed by children in workshops with the artist.

Outdoor play
New outdoor play spaces adjoining classroom areas. Defined areas to allow similar play as in classroom, but on a larger scale outdoors. To encourage role play with a play house and outdoor furniture. Surfaces will incorporate a variety of textures and contours to encourage sensory exploration. Colourful geometric shapes create visual stimulation.

Play equipment
New play equipment in natural materials - wooden uprights and balance beam with platforms and climbing details in coloured metal.

New Amphitheatre
To develop a large bowl shaped seating and performing area from the large hill on the grassy bank overlooking the football pitch.
Using a variety of surface textures and materials, develop a tiered shape of long curved steps. This will form a casual seating area. Create a flexible “stage” area - with defined decorative play areas.

Football pitch
New low fence to separate football pitch from play equipment and road.
Fences to harmonise with designs from outside classroom play area, and will once again incorporate ideas from the children. Possibly make dugouts for players sent off pitch.

Wildlife Garden
A sensory trail, incorporating interactive sculptures in wood, natural sculptures made from topiary or willow structures. Paths to be made from a variety of materials with differing textures - logs on end, pebbles of different size, bark, etc
Different religions represented in small temple representations - incorporated in the landscaping in small grottoes, hidden places. Wind chimes and various interactive sources of sound throughout the trail.

New outdoor classroom
Covered structure to provide sheltered learning area outside wildlife garden. To provide a decorative gateway feature into the wildlife garden.