School Description
Cowell Elementary School is a school “on the move” towards academic excellence. A recent review by a School Support Team through a Title One School Improvement Grant found that we are in a position to make positive changes to our programs and operations, which will result in higher achievement for all of our students. We are now finding ways to implement their recommendations as part of our school improvement planning. Our focus is on holding every adult and student accountable to high academic and behavior expectations, on providing a comprehensive, organized curriculum to every student, and on providing instruction designed to meet the needs of each individual student. Cowell is committed to becoming a school where every student excels. Additionally, Cowell offers a unique program for 3 and 4-year-old students that includes students with disabilities in regular Early Childhood classrooms, providing an opportunity for all students to get a good start on their educational career.
Learning Landscapes Description
Isolated by a series of 15 foot tall terraces the plan focused on how to physically and visually reconnect the site and improve ADA accessibility.
Cowell Elementary School
Construction Date
2002
Landscape Architect
GPD Land Design
Play Equipment Vendor
Rocky Mountain Recreation
Master Plan
Goals
- Provide accessibility for all students’ exploration and recreation.
- Connect Cowell with community and itself.
- Create a safe, fun learning environment that students will claim as their own.
- Integrate academics, socialization, and physical education into play areas.
- Incorporate aestheics and ecology into the campus.
Design Development
Description
An ecological design philosophy of EDGES, PATCHES, NODES and CORRIDORS is introduced to create a cohesive environmental, social and academic matrix.
Illustrative Drawing
Design Development Drawings
Presentation Boards
Construction Documentation
Description from Architect
Cowell Elementary school was designed as a learning landscape, a design concept that incorporates participatory learning elements with recreational play. The design focused on geology and the wonders that can be found when exposing the earth. The sites large retaining wall shows fossils and other art elements to exemplify what is below grade. The project scope included design development, volunteer coordination, and project close-out.
Illustrative Plan
Construction Drawings
Play Equipment
Shade Structure