New spaces working well at CBHS
As part of the post-quake reshaping of Christchurch’s school properties, Christchurch Boys’ High School is progressing through a multi-stage redevelopment of its campus.
For Paul Roper-Gee – landscape architect from Canopy, it has been rewarding to be involved in the design process and now see how the school community is using the new spaces that have been implemented.
The school now has a new outdoor area for both formal events and a hang out space for students. Image credit - Lightforge.
The Canopy team worked within a collaborative team lead by Athfield Architects, together with the Ministry of Education and the School to develop the brief, and then design a variety of different outdoor spaces on the school site.
Implemented projects to date have included a new central quad, canteen courtyard, riparian restoration planting along the banks of the Ōtākaro /Avon River and a new bike enclosure.
The brief was to create different types of spaces for different types of student personalities,
Part of the brief was to create spaces that appeal to the different personalities of the students. Some students like to be ‘on display’ whereas others want to tuck themselves into a quiet spot. Landscape planting, pavements and furniture elements are designed to be robust and hard wearing.
Paul says the new quad provides an outdoor focal point for the school. The quad is framed by both heritage and new buildings creating a sheltered heart space. He says it is proving a successful space for the school which can be used for formal events and outdoor learning as well as a place for students to use in their breaks
Paul Roper-Gee says the new spaces are working well. Image credit - Lightforge.
Current and future school projects that Canopy is working on include redevelopment of the spaces around the heritage listed ‘Main Block’ and a potential new Gymnasium.
You can see more about the project in the video below.
