During the COVID shutdown of 2021, Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest presented OUTSCHOOLED, a design competition seeking approaches for outdoor learning spaces for children.  With limited material budgets, teams were asked to consider the possibilities for interactive spaces using recycled or locally sourced materials.  

As an extension of AIA Central Kentucky Chapter's Committee for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, architects from Louisville-based A&E firm Luckett & Farley led a group of elementary students from Brandeis Elementary in creating a design proposal.  A science and technology magnet school in the public school system, teachers at Brandeis had recently started an architecture club as an extension of their STEAM program and this competition provided an introduction to concepts of organization, program, material supply chains and construction methods.   

Through 6-week series of zoom discussions, students shared their thoughts and dreams about moving their classrooms from their kitchen tables to the outdoors.  Lego models, hand sketches and a plethora of Minecraft visions were collected and distilled into a cohesive proposal utilizing site-harvested roundwood construction.  The resulting design was awarded first prize in the professional category, giving the Architecture Club some prize money to help further their efforts.

As part of Luckett & Farley's corporate partnership with Bernheim, the outdoor classroom is currently being developed for construction within Bernheim's larger "Playcosystem" project.  

https://bernheim.org/outschool...

https://bernheim.org/introduci...

https://bernheim.org/playcosys...