Now that your class has a purpose, plan, and place for the project, it’s time to design. Reflect on the results of your initial surveys. How will the needs of the community and the goals of the project be reflected in the final design? Be creative when discussing what type of green space will be most valued and most utilized by the school as a whole. The type of green space you decide on will impact the design. For example: a pollinator garden and an outdoor meditation space would each be designed differently.

Initial concept drawings for a school garden by students at Anacostia High School in Washington, D.C.

Considering factors such as color, line, and composition, work on conceptual designs for the green space. You could draw a landscape plan, make a 3D prototype, compose a digital draft, or create an abstract representation with photographs, paintings, or animations. As you formulate ideas, challenge yourselves to consider the long-term impact of the proposed green space design. What will the green space look like one year from now? What about five years?

While more detailed work can be completed indoors, take the opportunity to do work on preliminary sketches or studies in the actual soon-to-be green space. How does working outside influence the creative process?

Dig in Deeper: Decide on a name and logo for your project to go on signs, flyers, and t-shirts. How can you make your project recognizable to the community?