El bullicio en el patio de la escuela - Escuela Skørping

The new schoolyard at Skørping School strengthens the joy of movement by integrating the forest into the schoolyard as an active part of school life. The play area is targeted towards students in middle and upper grades - both those who are already active and those who are difficult to motivate.

The forest edge has been modified to extend the schoolyard by removing selected trees and planting new ones. The 'forest loop' is the main route in the outdoor areas. This route takes students from the central schoolyard all the way out into the forest and back again. Various types of play stations create space for all groups of students - such as swings, a skate park, monkey bars, balancing beams and café tables.

Our project stands as a compelling case study, recently spotlighted in "AN ARCHITECTURE GUIDE to the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals," for its direct contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality. By thoughtfully designing a space that accommodates and encourages participation from both girls and boys, we have fostered greater inclusivity. Crucially, research conducted post-completion has demonstrated the specific success of the wooden loop in actively engaging more girls in play during school breaks.

In addition to its impact on gender equality, the schoolyard champions Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being for all ages, promoting physical activity and mental wellness. Its multi-functional design and public access naturally draw the local community together, supporting Goal 4: Quality Education by enriching the learning environment and fulfilling Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities by providing an accessible and available shared space. Moreover, the expanded green infrastructure within the schoolyard effectively slows rainwater runoff, contributing directly to a more sustainable urban environment.

Addressing the design issue of sedentary lifestyles and gender-based play disparities, the project employs a key design approach of inclusive, nature-integrated play infrastructure.

The project has been developed in collaboration with: Skælskør Landscape Gardener, Hede Danmark, KKK Kvalitetsbyg, and Skørping School.