How we learn is changing.
Institutions of higher education aspire to deliver increasingly enriched campus experiences as part of their continued
efforts to attract, retain and sustain the best students and faculty. Landscape Forms provides the building blocks
to optimize these experiences outdoors, cultivating new and innovative academic environments.
New learning spaces must inspire and support evolving educational processes.
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Historical teaching models are moving to more collaborative approaches of active learning. Technology is enabling communication
from anywhere, but is also impacting the quality and nature of in-person social interactions. Intensely competitive
and outcome-focused environments can leave students stressed and uninspired. As students and faculty call for more
from their academic experiences, schools are seeking new ways to inspire, engage, connect, stimulate and empower
by leveraging the potential of the outdoor campus.
Goals
Learning inspired by Nature
Encourage Active Learning
Foster today's active approach of constructing knowledge together outside through effective methods of presentation
and collaboration.
Inspire Creativity
Inspire creativity in students and staff by connecting them with nature and others.
Stimulate Social Interactions
Stimulate social interactions by enabling natural postures and face-to-face connections.
Facilitate Continuous Learning
Facilitate today's continuous educational process, which occurs inside, outside and in between classrooms.
Enhance Well-being
Enhance well-being by connecting people to natural light, fresh air, and nature for moments of respite and rejuvenation.
At Landscape Forms, we believe that a connection to nature and others can ignite healthier and more stimulating learning
methods. By creating a variety of settings, places and postures, colleges and universities can extend the educational
process outside as a critical component of learning, working and living on campus, achieving the goals above.
To enable this, Landscape Forms has created a series of application thought starters incorporating our portfolio
of site furnishing, architectural, technology, and lighting elements and help activate the new outdoor learning
frontier.
Thought Starters
Be inspired. Browse our application thought starters as you explore innovative, meaningful, and solutions based approaches
to activating outdoor environments. Let our ideas spark your imagination to create uniquely empowering, engaging,
and rejuvenating experiences outside.
Application
Education - O3
Place
Oasis
Oasis is a small area of retreat for individuals to rest, think, work, or quietly converse with others.
Primary Insight
Inspire Creativity
Connecting individuals or small groups to nature inspires creativity.
Elements, Attributes, and User Experience
- An Oasis may be adjacent to a Plaza or strategically placed throughout the campus.
-
STRATA bench and
Chipman chairs provide ample seating and can be configured to support face-to-face connections for
small groups inspiring creativity through collaboration.
-
STRATA table provides plenty of surface area for personal items, beverages, or even a footrest making
the space more comfortable, welcoming, and stimulating.
-
Reeder illuminated sign provides campus wide wayfinding and identification of available settings
which eases navigation.
- Translucent fence (custom element) provides attractive seated privacy through subtle materiality lessening
creative inhibitions by establishing an increased sense of retreat.
- Tree Canopy provides filtered shade reducing exposure to sun and increasing solace of the space.
- Peripheral plantscaping creates a softened boundary and sense of place.
Application
Education - O7
Place
Oasis
Oasis is a small area of retreat for individuals to rest, think, work, or quietly converse with others.
Primary Insight
Enhance Well-Being
Connecting people to natural light, fresh air, and nature for moments of respite and rejuvenation enhances well-being.
Elements, Attributes, and User Experience
- An Oasis may be adjacent to a Plaza or strategically placed throughout the campus.
- The site is small and sheltered to minimize distractions.
-
MultipliCITY benches offer ample seating and space for personal belongings during rejuvenating moments
of respite or quiet conversation. A small cantilevered surface provides ergonomic arm support or space
to work.
-
MultipliCITY path lighting adds calming ambiance while increasing security.
-
Reeder illuminated sign provides campus wide wayfinding and indentification of available settings
which eases navigation and reduces stress.
-
Sorella planters offer a place for flowers which engage visual and olfactory senses enhancing the
overall campus experience.
- Peripheral plantscaping creates a softened boundary and sense of place.
Application
Education - T6
Place
Touchdown
Touchdown is a place that supports brief periods of work between other activities.
Primary Insight
Continuous Learning
Learning environments should facilitate a continuous educational process, which occurs inside, outside and in between
classrooms.
Elements, Attributes, and User Experience
- Touchdowns may be adjacent to a Plaza or strategically placed throughout the campus.
-
MultipliCITY tables and
MultipliCITY benches are grouped to support social and collaborative interactions in order to enable
continuous learning outside of the classroom. In addition to generous seating and work areas, table sides
allow for ADA access.
-
GO OutdoorTables and
Chipman stools provide students a perching platform and large work surface for extended group study
while also offering power for their mobile devices.
-
MultipliCITY path lighting adds ambiance while increasing security and defining space.
-
Reeder illuminated signage provides campus-wide wayfinding and identification of available settings
which eases navigation.
- A row of
Sorella planters create a sense of place and offer a habitat for flowers which engage visual and
olfactory senses.
-
TUUCI umbrellas offer shade from the sun and reduce glare on electronic devices enabling use of educational
tools beyond the classroom.
-
MultipliCITY litters provide attractive options to conceal and recycle waste.
- Peripheral plantscaping creates a softened boundary and sense of place.
-
MultipliCITY bike racks support campus transit by providing secure bike storage. A utility surface
crowns the top and offers a place for personal items while placing bikes in a secure position.
-
Outdoor charging stations adjacent to tables and benches provide convenient access to power and USB
charging.
Application
Education - W4
Place
Wayside
Wayside is a place to pause along a pathway or adjacent to a gathering hub.
Primary Insight
Inspiring Creativity
Connecting individuals or small groups to nature inspires creativity.
Elements, Attributes, and User Experience
- Waysides are easily accessible, typically occur along circulation paths and may be adjacent to Forums and
Plazas.
- Unrestricted views in an open setting allows for creative inspiration from surroundings.
- The furniture configuration encourages collaboration for multiple groups through face-to-face social interactions.
-
Nu bench offers ample seating and space for personal belongings encouraging spontaneous pauses for
creative thought or conversation with others.
-
Socrates seating supports brief periods of sitting for quiet contemplation or small group collaboration.
-
MultipliCITY path lighting guides pedestrians to the space while increasing security, defining space
and adding ambiance.
-
Reeder illuminated sign provides campus wide wayfinding and identification of available settings
which eases navigation.
- Peripheral plantscaping creates a softened boundary and sense of place.
Application
Education - H2
Place
Huddle
Huddle is a space adjacent to hubs optimized for small group gatherings.
Primary Insight
Encourage Active Learning
Well-designed environments can encourage today's active approach of constructing knowledge together by supporting
effective presentation and collaboration methods.
Elements, Attributes, and User Experience
- A Huddle is typically near a Plaza or other hub to facilitate small breakouts from large group gatherings.
- Thie circular configuration supports natural social patterns and formations that support active learning.
-
Hebi bench offers ample seating and space for personal belongings encouraging impromptu collaboration
with others.
-
Chipman table and
Chipman stools support more active perching postures which can motivate participation.
-
Sentinel bollards add ambiance while defining space.
-
Reeder illuminated sign provides campus wide wayfinding and identification of available settings
which eases navigation.
- Curved matte granite surface (custom element) creates a strong aesthetic boundary and functions as a chalkboard
encouraging active learning through small group collaboration.
- Wood decking creates a warm and inviting setting.
- Peripheral plantscaping creates a softened boundary and sense of place.
-
Outdoor charging station adjacent to table and stools provides convenient access to power and USB
charging.
Application
Education - H5
Place
Huddle
Huddle is a space adjacent to hubs optimized for small group gatherings.
Primary Insight
Stimulate Social Interactions
Natural postures and settings that encourage face-to-face connections stimulate social interaction.
Elements, Attributes, and User Experience
- A Huddle is typically near a Plaza or other hub to facilitate small breakouts from large group gatherings.
- This setting is scaled to accommodate multiple group interactions simultaneously.
-
Milenio benches provide ample seating and can catalyze relaxed conversation through more casual seated
and reclined postures. Thoughtful bench configurations encourage face-to-face social connections.
-
Chipman tables ground two core interactive areas that support collaborations for small groups.
-
Neoromantico seating facilitates dialogue through relaxed seated postures.
-
FGP path lighting adds ambiance while softening boundaries.
-
Reeder illuminated sign provides campus wide wayfinding and identification of available settings
which eases navigation.
- Tree Canopy provides filtered shade making the area more comfortable for social connections.
Application
Education - M2
Place
Meet
Meet is a setting that supports group discussions, presentations, and collaborations.
Primary Insight
Encourage Active Listening
Well-designed environments can encourage today's active approach of constructing knowledge together by supporting
effective presentation and collaboration methods.
Elements, Attributes, and User Experience
- The
GO OutdoorTable and
Chipman stools support active standing and perching postures while providing a dynamic work surface
for learning and presenting. In addition, the canopy helps to reduce glare on digital devices and integrated
power outlets provide charging capabilities, extending the use of technology outside.
- Vertical surfaces (custom element) frame the edge of the space allowing for annotation supporting collaborative
activities.
-
Jessie rail offers a convenient surface to place personal devices or beverages for those presenting
or facilitating collaboration.
-
Gus planter with seat insert provides ample ancillary seating and a convenient place for personal
items such as backpacks to lessen table top clutter and encourage active group learning.
-
Reeder illuminated sign provides campus wide wayfinding and identification of available settings
which eases navigation.
- Peripheral plantscaping creates a softened boundary and sense of place yet still offers an unobstructed perspective
for inspiring views of surrounding space.
Application
Education - F1
Place
Forum
Forum is an area designed for presentations and performances.
Primary Insight
Encourage Active Learning
Well-designed environments can encourage today's active approach of constructing knowledge together by supporting
effective presentation and collaboration methods.
Elements, Attributes, and User Experience
- Forum seating is typically configured to optimize viewing of presentations, films or performances.
- The presentaion area flanks a building to provide shade and utilities for presenters or performers.
- Vertical glass surfaces (custom element) become surfaces for annotation or, when partnered with a short throw
projector, can allow for teaching or recreational film viewing.
-
Parallel 42 benches are configured to face the primary presentation area. They support active learning
by providing ample, flexible seating surfaces and a convenient place for personal items such as backpacks.
This bench configuration supports a range of activities from presentations to a variety of postures for
large group breakouts.
-
Parc Centre tables support interactivity by providing functional space for writing, storage of personal
items, and use of digital devices.
- A
Chipman standing-height table and
Chipman stool provide the presenter with a refined working and seating surface that can be moved
to adapt to the presentation.
- A combination of
Chipman stools and the
Jessie rails support more active standing and perching postures for un-obstructed views from the
back.
-
Reeder illuminated sign provides campus wide wayfinding and identification of available settings
which eases navigation.
-
LEO lighting provides the opportunity for customized lighting scenes to heighten engagement for a
variety of presentations and types of collaboration.
-
Loop bike racks support campus transit by providing secure bike storage.
-
CPC litters provide attractive options to conceal and recycle waste.
- Plantscaping and hardscaping define the Forum and provide a degree of boundary.
-
Outdoor charging stations adjacent to rails, benches, table and stools provide convenient access
to power and USB charging.
Application
Education - P4
Place
Plaza
Plaza is a vibrant hub where people gather.
Primary Insight
Inspire Creativity
Connecting individuals or small groups to nature inspires creativity.
Elements, Attributes, and User Experience
- A range of settings provides choice as to where and with whom to socialize.
-
Trapecio bench seating inspires different viewpoints through a variety of postures including seated,
perching and reclining positions.
-
Silla chairs are configured to promote face-to-face interactions, catalyzing creativity.
-
Fortunato benches surround the fireplace and raised balcony to create a comfortable, inviting setting
that stirs both individual contemplation and informal conversation.
-
Chipman tables and
Chipman chairs are grouped under
TUUCI umbrellas to create a sheltered space for working, eating, or socializing.
- The
GO OutdoorTable with canopy and
Chipman stools give students a comfortable place to collaborate, socialize, work and power up with
USB and laptop charging.
-
FGP Pedestrian Lights add ambiance and help to create safe, well-lit public spaces that are usable
all day.
-
FGP bike racks support campus transit by providing secure bike storage.
-
Lena Planters offer a place for flowers or other plant life which engage visual and olfactory senses.
- Fireplace (custom element) creates a focal point for the space and inspires a welcoming, home-like feel to
reduce inhibitions and stimulate creative thought.
- A ramped balcony with a wooden deck (custom element) creates a centralized, relaxed lounge area.
- Tree canopies provide filtered shade over the bench area while turf strips deliver a pleasant underfoot experience.
-
Outdoor charging stations adjacent to benches and tables provide convenient access to power and USB
charging.
Application
Education - P5
Place
Plaza
Plaza is a vibrant hub where people gather.
Primary Insight
Stimulate Social Interaction
Natural postures and settings that encourage face-to-face connections stimulate social interaction.
Elements, Attributes, and User Experience
- A canopied campus plaza creates a destination for students to get together, socialize, learn, and enjoy fresh
air.
-
Canopied GO OutdoorTables and
Chipman stools provide ample surfaces and additional shade for study sessions and informal gatherings
while providing students with needed access to USB and standard outlet charging.
-
Flor benches add a sense of spontaneity to the space while sparking social interactions and casual
conversations.