PROJECT LOCATION: San Mateo, CA SIZE: 0.5 acres ARCHITECT: Studio Bondy Architecture CIVIL: BKF Engineers PROJECT TYPOLOGY: Education STATUS: Under construction ROLE: Project manager and lead designer for the play area scope *A Creo Landscape Architecture project
For this preschool, the client requested a natural play yard with programmatic elements to support the school’s constructivist and experiential learning pedagogy. Alexandra Harker acted as project manager and lead designer for the play area scope from concept to construction documentation while at Creo Landscape Architecture. Nicki Copley collaborated as a designer during the construction documentation phase.
The final design creates “nooks and crannies” that encourage playful discovery and exploration. The play yard features meandering pathways, rock mounds, wood play structures, a willow hut, a sandbox with a water pump, artificial turf and live sensory planting. The entire play area is constructed over an underground parking structure, which required careful consideration in design and detailing.