Alice West Fleet Elementary School, in Arlington, VA, (west of Washington D.C.) lies within the Coastal Plain region and is part of the Potomac River watershed. The school had a mission to expand education through creative play environments that foster exploration and discovery of natural systems. The design intention was to incorporate engineered infrastructure gardens, play environments and native plantings as a learning landscape or "living laboratory" that intertwines with the site, encouraging students to engage with various ecologies while promoting education, play, health, and appreciation for the natural landscape.

The design encompasses six major landscape spaces, each tailored for age-appropriate play and learning. Within the Kindergarten and First Grade play areas, imaginative landforms and creative elements such as natural logs, stepping stones, plantings, and boulders provide the backdrop for play and growth. The Dining Terrace and Children’s Garden provide a multifunctional space that accommodates active play, outdoor dining, outdoor classrooms, and edible plants. Large playfields provide opportunities for structured and unstructured play. A main entry walk with 'stramps' for stepped seating and an outdoor classroom defines one edge of the field, connecting it to a sensory garden with lush plantings. The Middle School play courts consist of three large play courts and a half-court basketball court. The overarching goal for all play environments is to facilitate both structured and imaginative play, create learning opportunities, and provide gathering spaces for various functions.

A pivotal design element on the site is a 500-foot long, rectilinear stormwater bioretention garden that acts as the central spine for natural play areas, a children's garden, sports courts, outdoor sensory classrooms, and various other encounter spaces. Surrounding this linear garden, walkways and access points facilitate observation and experiential learning. Accessible bridges and climbable check dams/weir walls provide opportunities for a closer examination of the diverse habitats created by different compositions of native plants.

Incorporating more than 85 different species and cultivars of trees, shrubs, grasses, and herbaceous groundcovers native to the Coastal Plain, the design aims to increase biodiversity. The plants are arranged in both organic forms, as they naturally appear, and in organized patterns. The playground, designed as a living laboratory, illustrates the ecology of the area through native flora and constructed landforms inspired by regional fauna. This encourages children to nurture their curiosity about nature and promotes play in a biophilic environment, that encourages the innate human instinct to connect with nature and other living beings. This connection has been found to support cognitive function, physical health, and psychological well-being. Different layers of the expansive bioretention garden support beneficial insects like moths, butterflies, and bees, as well as frogs, salamanders, and birds.

Fleet Elementary School's innovative approach to landscape and environmental design not only provides a vibrant and engaging educational experience for its students but also contributes to the sustainability and ecological health of its surrounding community. By blending education, play, and a deep connection to the natural world, Fleet Elementary promotes connection with and stewardship of our ecosystems.

CLIENT/PROJECT TEAM:
Arlington Public Schools
VMDO Architects

LOCATION:
Arlington, VA

AWARDS:
Virginia ASLA - Merit Award - 2024
AIA DC Chapter - Citation for Sustainability - 2022
Virginia School Boards Association - Platinum Design Award - 2021
ASHRAE International - Second Place Technology Award for New Educational Facility - 2021
ASHRAE National Capital Chapter - 1st Place Technology Award - 2020
Learning By Design - Citation of Excellence - 2020
DESIGNArlington - Merit Award - 2019
Construction Management Association of America National Capital Chapter - Building Construction Project of the Year - 2019