Natural Sciences Courtyard — Keene State Science Center, Keene, New Hampshire

The dark horizontal path (Cambrian black granite) intersecting the slanting hardscape represents a lava flow. Barre grey granite, Vermont green slate, Kershaw beige granite, Winneway granite and Kirby limestone add appealing textures and colors to the bluestone theme.

A Design for the College and Community

Newly enclosed on four sides by a dynamic three-story brick and glass building, the 7,750 sq. ft. fully accessible Keene State College Science Center courtyard is aesthetically pleasing and functional. The courtyard design is inspired by geology and enhanced by select plantings. It’s a great space where students and faculty can take a break or do some studies in the open air.

The granite boulders were brought in by crane and positioned in the courtyard when the structural steel for the new addition was being erected. The largest boulder is 10 feet high and weighs over 50 tons.

A “New” Landscape for New Hampshire

Geology is the unifying component: a cross-courtyard paving pattern represents geologic strata and processes; boulders remind us of glacial activity. A fieldstone wall, constructed by local masons with recessed mortar, represents the layering of human activity on an ancient landscape.

Bluestone paving begins outside the building on the threshold of the Natural Science Center’s corner entrance, across the lobby and extending into the courtyard beyond. Once inside the courtyard, the paving turns on a diagonal “fault line” and becomes infinitely richer, with bands of stone representing geological processes. The varieties of stone, selected and arranged in patterns (with geology faculty collaboration) were chosen for beauty, durability and accuracy in conveying geologic history. The size, color, and texture of each kind of stone contribute to the overall dynamic of the walkways.

Huge boulders from the surrounding region define local character and scale. As the dean of Natural Sciences bicycled through the countryside, he took note of suitable boulders and later worked with the landscape architect and the faculty in the final selection; one of these boulders is 10 feet high and weighs over 50 tons. All the boulders were brought in by crane and positioned in the courtyard when the structural steel for the new addition was being erected, a full year before the completion of other landscape, architectural and engineering tasks. A grouping of smaller stones is used for seating, and still smaller ones are moved by faculty around the courtyard for students to find and identify as part of their coursework. The strong awareness of geology is softened by botany.

The courtyard becomes an “impromptu” classroom. Botany faculty members appreciate the plant material, which includes a diversity of mosses, ferns and lichens.

Native plants were selected for their esthetic effect, their role in the ecosystem and how they represent evolutionary change.

The building’s direct north-south orientation creates distinct microclimates that allow three plant zones: mature woodland, woodland edge and meadow contained in a hedgerow. Botany faculty members appreciate the plant material in the courtyard, which includes a diversity of mosses, ferns and lichens—considered to be among the oldest living things on earth. Seasonal changes also play an important role in encouraging students’ appreciation of the natural processes of plant growth.

Accessed by a path of decomposed granite, the woodland edge plantings include sycamore and birch trees and a rich mixture of shrubs and groundcovers, including azalea, viburnum, blueberry, fern and strawberry. The wall of New Hampshire native fieldstone was constructed by local masons and set with recessed mortar.

Transformational Space

The Keene State College courtyard demonstrates the successful contribution landscape architecture can make—in teaching and learning, promoting social connectedness, supporting community, and providing natural habitats. Nature is more accessible, more exciting and real to both students and community members as they enjoy the serendipity of discovery in this intellectually engaging, sensory rich garden. It has become the heart of the new Science Center, where kids find science “cool.”

Project: Natural Sciences Courtyard
Keene State Science Center, Keene, New Hampshire

Architects: Banwell Architects with Mitchell/Giurgola Architects

Landscape Architect: Dirtworks, PC, Landscape Architecture, New York, New York

Photos: © Dirtworks, PC

Awards for Keene courtyard:

• 2008 Design Citation, American Association of School Administrators2007 Honor Award for Excellence in Landscape Architecture, AIA and Society for College and University Planning
• 2007 Honor Award for Excellence in Design, American Society of Landscape Architects, New York Chapter