Ideal Outdoor Learning Environments

AS Urban is a great partner to work with when planning the fixtures and furniture to go into a school courtyard, outdoor learning area or COLA (covered outdoor learning area).

Well ventilated, shady and uncluttered outdoor spaces that are easy to move around in have a relaxing and calming effect to help students reduce their stress levels and study effectively. This creates a functional and positive learning environment that can be used as an annexe to the general classroom and double as an extra lunch area or break-out space.

Essentially, every COLA naturally has a slightly different environment and the selection of furniture style depends on the combination of aspects: For example, is it a large or small space? What shape is the perimeter – square, curved or free-form? How many sides are enclosed with a wall, fence or garden? Where are doorways located? Is the roof high or low? Is the location within a courtyard, quadrangle, garden or adjacent to the playground/sports field?

Outdoor furniture for a COLA should include –

• Rubbish bins that are easy to access and not too far apart.
• Picnic Settings – what shape? and for how many students?
• Seats and benches for casual study.
• Space saving wall mounted tables.
• Strategically placed power outlets.
• Planters and Tree Grates – greenery always has a positive influence on mood.
• Provision for wheelchairs and sight-impaired students: This may include wheel chair accessible furniture, minimum 1m width of pathways, compliant rubber ramps, tactiles, anti-slip stair nosing, braille signs and modular hand rails.
• Bird Deterrent Spikes for any overhead bird landing areas.

AS Urban stocks large quantities of standard outdoor furniture and is easy to work with for any customised standard furniture that may be required for your space.

Contact Us on 1300 889 821 to discuss your requirements or obtain a sales proposal.