Lessons in the Open Air
Lansing Central School District
Outdoor instruction and play space designed for varying weather
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Lansing aimed to expand learning beyond the classroom by creating a hands-on, sensory-rich outdoor environment, and Tetra Tech was brought in to design a flexible space for that purpose. The project focused on tactile, exploratory activities—bringing elements like water features and temperature-based stations into everyday lessons—so students could balance screen time and indoor work with active, experiential education.
At the center of the design is a freestanding covered structure, located adjacent to the Elementary School, that provides a protected area for instruction and play no matter the weather. The canopy was conceived as both a functional shelter and a sculptural element on the site; materials were chosen for durability and low maintenance, so the feature remains inviting during precipitation.
The project design also reclaims an underused courtyard, transforming it into a contained collaboration zone well suited for younger students. Because the space receives limited direct sun, the team selected shade-tolerant plantings to soften concrete edges while maintaining year-round interest. Hardscape interventions—paved surfaces, flexible seating, and defined gathering areas—make the courtyard usable for small-group work, study sessions, and informal socializing, turning a neglected nook into an active part of the school’s learning landscape.
Stormwater management systems were incorporated to keep the area functional during wetter seasons, and grading strategies were used to shape natural amphitheater seating and movement patterns. These technical measures help ensure the spaces remain safe and accessible while enhancing their instructional potential.
This outdoor learning environment blends architectural form, landscape design, and engineered solutions to support active education in a non-traditional learning space. Tetra Tech’s design approach created durable, low-maintenance features that invite students to engage physically and mentally with their surroundings. Lansing’s outdoor classroom expands the school’s educational space venues—providing a multipurpose setting where children can learn through doing, observing, and collaborating outdoors.