Gathering Spaces
A range of outdoor gathering space types, sizes, and conditions are encouraged within school properties to promote a diversity of use and encourage areas to linger, reflect, and activate the site. Sample gathering spaces include:
- Individual and small group study spaces
- Game tables (e.g. chess)
- Viewing areas near play equipment
- Waiting areas near drop-off areas and entrances
- Outdoor classrooms
- Amphitheaters
Gathering spaces shall be enhanced through:
- Specialty paving
- Landscape
- Lighting
- Furnishings such as benches
- Trash and recycling receptacles
Gathering spaces with a balance of shade and sun conditions shall be prioritized. Shade may be accomplished through:
- Pergolas
- Shade trees
- Other features
Line-up Space Requirements
Line-up or student queuing spaces may be required in play areas and within entry plazas to allow classes to queue before and after outdoor activities. Line-up spaces can be enhanced through:
- Colorful striping or
- Pavement patterns in walkways, plazas, or playlots.
The designer shall coordinate with the school to establish the typical class size in order to provide adequate lineup space.
Refer to section 1.4.1 Entry Plazas for additional line-up requirements for entrances.
Striped Games
Striped games may be appropriate to accompany playgrounds or sports courts. Striped games may include:
- Four square
- Hopscotch
- Graphic patterns, etc
Striped games shall:
- Occur over a concrete or asphalt pavement base
- The striping shall be colored acrylic textured paint
- Surfacing shall be ADA accessible
- Paint colors shall be selected to complement any nearby equipment, artwork, or building materials, and they shall contrast with the surface color to build character and accommodate users with visual impairments
- Shall be located more than eight feet away from buildings or structures to avoid overrun collisions
Outdoor Classrooms
Outdoor classrooms provide important places for outdoor learning, gathering, and exploration. These may include:
- Formally arranged terraces
- Council rings
- Natural seating clusters
- Informally arranged gathering areas
- Garden spaces
Each outdoor classroom shall accommodate at least 30 students. Accessibility shall be a design priority through material choices and seating options.
(See Figure 1.4.6_4)
Amphitheaters
Amphitheaters are outdoor gathering spaces with a central focal point surrounded by tiers of seating. They are used for a wide range of purposes, including:
- Performances
- Special events
- Teaching
- Informal gathering
Amphitheaters are traditionally composed of turf grass terraces reinforced by hardscape steps. They may be appropriate in large, open areas with natural or artificial topography. Amphitheaters shall be designed to accommodate at least 30 students, but may incorporate flexible or integrated seating.
Special consideration shall be given to rainwater drainage, accessibility, and tying into the adjacent landforms. If seating is incorporated into berms or landforms, it shall be designed to be a maximum of 36 inches high.
The stage or central feature may or may not be shaded. Locating a power receptacle adjacent to amphitheaters may be warranted based on the needs of the school.
Memorials or Dedicated Spaces
Memorials or dedicated spaces may be appropriate when a school or community wants to honor a student, teacher, friend, or community member. Memorials shall be designed as quiet, reflective places, and may take the form of:
- Dedicated trees or furnishings
- Gathering areas
- Public Art
Features that may be appropriate for memorials include:
- Specialty seating
- Landscape
- Paving
Wherever possible, school and community stakeholders shall participate in the design process.
Public Art
Public art is encouraged on select CPS properties and shall follow the CPS Mural & Mosaic Fabrication and Installation Design Standards. Public art may include, but not be limited to:
- Sculptures
- Water Features
- Environmental Artwork
Public Art may be appropriate within or near:
- Playgrounds
- Gathering Spaces
- School Entrances
- Planted Areas
Theft and vandalism shall be considered in the design process. Wherever possible, school and community stakeholders shall participate in the design process.