School Landscape Project at Kithulkote, Sri Lanka
To transform a Dry Zone school environment into a greener, more functional, and inspiring outdoor learning landscape by prioritizing shade, soft landscaping, and Dry Zone-adaptive planting to support student well-being and daily school routines.
Entry Landscape and Driveway
The project begins with a crucial focus on defining the school's entrance to create a strong sense of arrival and provide immediate relief from the Dry Zone heat. Addressing the existing lack of greenery, the design retains the original interlock paving for high durability while introducing densely planted corridors of Dry Zone-adaptive trees, such as large-trunked species, along the driveway edges. These trees, supported by shrubs and groundcovers, establish a structured, heavily shaded, and welcoming transition. The resulting long, green tunnel ensures a comfortable arrival sequence, effectively guiding students and visitors smoothly and safely onto the campus.
Welcoming Space and Two-Story Building
Situated immediately after the driveway, this area functions as the vibrant heart of the school's greeting zone, setting a lively tone for the entire campus. The design focuses on softening the architecture of the adjacent Two-Story Building by introducing a highly textural and colorful foreground. This is achieved through the integration of tiered planting beds featuring colorful flowering plants, fragrant species, and lush groundcovers that contrast with the building's stark white and red palette. A focal shade tree in a stone-edged planter provides warmth and vibrancy. The result is a lively, student-friendly environment filled with nature and energy, reinforcing the school's positive visual identity and creating an inspiring atmosphere for daily school routines.
Morning Assembly Area and Access Ways
This space is dedicated to supporting the school’s most important daily function: the morning assembly and circulation. The design significantly improves shading and spatial organization by lining the main access paths with continuous rows of large shade trees. This structured planting creates a series of sun-dappled corridors over the wide, clear access paths, enhancing comfort and functionality for large gatherings. The paths themselves are defined by clean edges and feature interspersed natural boulders and planting beds, which introduce visual interest while directing pedestrian flow. The plan features paths that lead directly to the Main Hall, the designated venue for special functions. Collectively, the improvements create a balanced environment that efficiently accommodates the large groups required for daily routines while maintaining visual order and clear accessibility across the campus.
Outdoor Classroom Area
The Outdoor Classroom is the project's educational centerpiece, strategically designed to promote outdoor learning and nature-based education. Positioned under a dense, established tree canopy, the space offers pervasive, natural shade, transforming it into a calm, comfortable environment. The design features a series of three interconnected, circular stone-clad seating walls and paved pads that provide flexible, shaded seating for entire class groups. This deliberate layout is ideal for reading circles, group discussions, nature observation, and creative activities. By using naturalistic layouts and soft planting palettes, the Outdoor Classroom becomes a vital link between education and ecology, allowing students to learn directly within a safe, functional, and natural setting.
Development Phases
Site Analysis
Site survey and existing-condition assessment.
Design Development
Concept design and planting strategy for Dry Zone conditions.
Documentation
Construction drawings and planting schedules.
Construction
Implementation, planting and establishment works.