School Description
Gust Elementary School is located on the south side of West Yale Avenue, the street dividing the two neighborhoods of Harvey Park and Harvey Park South. Its students are drawn from a portion of each neighborhood. Demographics of both neighborhoods show that they share similar populations and housing statistics. Currently 510 students attend Gust from ECE through grade five. The school is designated a Highly Gifted Center for southwest Denver and is a Higher Education Partnership school with Metro State College of Denver. Literacy and technology are priorities supported by Library Power and a computer lab with a K-5curriculum. Gust hosts sixty-four teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators and student teachers.
Learning Landscapes Description
A site lacking in an identity, the plan focused on landmark and outdoor learning opportunities that the community and children desire.
Gust Elementary School
Construction Date
November 2005
Landscape Architect
Roth + Sheppard Architects
Play Equipment Vendor
Game Time
Master Plan
Vision
To create an outdoor environment that complements the school’s academic mission of “Rising to Meet the Future.” The master plan will establish the school as a landmark and provide students and the Harvey Park community with a variety of opportunities and experiences that foster learning and encourage fun and creative play
Goals
- Design outdoor places that encourage hands -on learning
- Establish the school as a neighborhood landmark
- Create new play opportunities and improve existing ones
- Improve safety and improve vehicle/pedestrian traffic functions
- Relieve impact of sun and heat in classrooms, library and playground
Design Development
Description
To bring children and community in contact with the natural world. Nature supports healthy children, social values, and motivate learning across all curriculum. The design intent is to create spaces that let creative thought, emotional, physical and social skills develop and emerge within the fabric of the land.
Illustrative Drawing
Design Development Drawings
Presentation Boards
Collage
Construction Documentation
Illustrative Plan
Construction Drawings
Play Equipment
Shade Structure