PAVE Academy Playscape
The typical NYC school yard consists of a fenced-in amalgamation of asphalt, safety surface and standard play equipment. SCAPE worked in close collaboration with Pave Academy, a K-8 Charter School, to develop a swiftly constructible landscape that goes beyond the standard-issue urban schoolyard while working with a similar suite of low-budget and readily available materials.
More than just a play space for students, the new school yard provides a multi-functional community gathering space for both the school and surrounding neighborhood. Colorful pavers and lush plantings transform the school’s front and back courtyards into inviting spaces that support a diversity of uses. A front courtyard provides ample space for recess and school events, while a back courtyard plays host to outdoor classes and school meetings. These new landscapes are publicly accessible at moments throughout the day, serving jointly as schoolyard and community gathering space.
Client
PAVE Academy
Collaborators
Mitchell / Giurgola Architects
Civic Builders
Awards
AIA National: Committee on Architecture for Education (CAE) Design Award (2014)
Building Brooklyn Design Award (2014)
Best K-12 Education Project by Engineering News Record (2014)