Undergraduate Programs

Graduate Program

Suggested Reading List

Courses

Design / Build

Goals and Philosophy

Guatemala Design/Build

2006 Varey Garden Renovation

Gordon Varey Memorial Garden

Sandpoint Outdoor Classroom

The Garden of Eatin'

Cascade Adopt-a-Park

Lavandaria

2000 Flower Show

2001 Flower Show

UW Medical Center Healing Garden

Cancer Lifeline Obrien Center

Incarnation Childrens Center

University Height

Eevergreen School Community Green

Pacific Flora, International Youth Garden

Pete Gross House Healing Garden


International Opportunities

Student Research

SANDPOINT OUTDOOR CLASSROOM, Seattle Washington

In 1997, an outdoor classroom was built for the Montessori Preschool a Montessori daycare center that serves a University of Washington residential community.

The project provides a covered space for the children to play, gather and perform in inclement weather. The structure also links a series of gross and fine motor skill activities designed into the structure. In addition to creating a useable structure the studio explored the use of sustainable building techniques including straw bale seating walls for story time and performances, a roofing material made of recycled paper and asphalt and low VOC paints. The students applied their handprints on the finish stucco coat of the straw bale wall, personalizing the structure. In addition to the structure and play elements a native garden was planted providing a place for teachers to hold nature classes outdoors.

The children and teachers were integrated into the design process with the students creating drawings in the beginning of the design process and the teachers reviewing the designs at all stages. The students also were provided the opportunity to observe the building process and ask questions.