Landscape

West Lothian Schools

Brief

Since 2006, Keppie has been part of the team involved in the design and construction of replacement high schools for both Armadale Academy and Deans Community High School in West Lothian.

This has seen the landscape team involved from inception through the planning, masterplanning, detail design and finally construction phases of the project. The schools were successfully completed in Autumn 2009.

Response

The design philosophy and concept for the wider landscape design of both schools responded to and reinforced the overall design concept, creating a stimulating environment that provides for outdoor play, education and social interaction.

Safety and ease of circulation are also paramount in the design philosophy whilst the careful selection and placement of trees and planting creates a setting for the school and helps to integrate it into its surroundings.

Key to the design is an understanding of how the outdoor spaces will be used from the area where parents wait through to high pressure zones for active sports.

Outcome

The resultant design is robust and attractive.  The external spaces and materials compliment the architecture.  The courtyard spaces create high quality environments using carefully selected materials and planting providing an attractive aspect, particularly when viewed from adjacent classrooms.

The spaces function on several different levels.  They accommodate large numbers of pupils during break times, facilitate ease of access and movement through the space and provide opportunities for outdoor teaching and recreation activities.

Team