ISUlong: Propelling Campus Excellence through Landscaping and Space Upgrade.

DESIGN CONCEPT

The design concept is inspired from the vastness of the universe,

particularly the stars, and aims to create various spaces for students within a
school. These spaces include waiting zones, sitting areas, rest areas, and study
areas that are designed to resemble stars. They are connected by pathways that
mimic the patterns of constellations in the sky. The main objective of this design
is to provide students with a study-friendly environment

To make the school atmosphere better, elements inspired by nature are included,
such as plants, water features, and lots of natural light. These natural elements
help create a peaceful and enjoyable environment for studying and relaxing. The
design also aims to maximize the use of natural light and incorporate plants to
make the school feel calm and inviting for learning. By combining nature with the
cosmic network design, the aim is to create a special atmosphere that helps
students focus while also making them feel inspired and amazed.

The design concept is inspired by the vastness of the universe, particularly the
stars, and it aims to create various areas for students within a school
environment. These areas include waiting zones, sitting areas, rest areas, and
study areas, each designed to resemble the stars in the universe. The layout and
arrangement of these areas are influenced by the patterns of constellations in the
sky.

The main objective of this design is to provide an environment that facilitates

effective studying for students. By incorporating elements that evoke the cosmos,
the design intends to instill a sense of wonder and inspiration, motivating
students to seek out comfortable spaces for studying. The key focus is on
showcasing the interconnectedness of different areas in the school and encouraging
exploration of the surroundings.

The design concept emphasizes the importance of creating a conducive atmosphere for
learning. The waiting zones are designed to be inviting, with comfortable seating
and visually appealing elements reminiscent of stars. The sitting areas provide
spaces for relaxation and informal gatherings, featuring cozy seating arrangements
that encourage interaction among students. The rest areas are designed to promote
rejuvenation, incorporating soothing colors and ambient lighting to create a
calming atmosphere.

However, the central point of this design concept is the study areas. These areas
serve as the focal point of the school environment, drawing inspiration from the
stars in the universe. The study areas are carefully designed to be well-lit and
equipped with ergonomic furniture, offering an ideal environment for focused
learning. The layout of these areas follows the patterns of constellations,
creating a visually striking and memorable experience for students.

Overall, the design concept seeks to create an engaging and inspiring environment
for students to study effectively. By incorporating elements from the vastness of
the universe, it aims to cultivate a sense of curiosity, exploration, and
motivation among students, ultimately enhancing their learning experiences.

I. BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECT

The project aims to improve the school environment by addressing its

limitations in terms of space and functionality. One major concern is the lack of
suitable areas for studying and relaxation, which makes it difficult for students
to find appropriate spaces for focused learning and breaks. To create a better
learning environment, dedicated spaces need to be designed and assigned for these
purposes.

Furthermore, the open spaces within the school premises are currently not
being used effectively and require enhancements. These areas have the potential to
be transformed into engaging and practical spaces that promote collaboration,
creativity, and outdoor activities. By improving these open spaces, the school can
offer students additional areas for group discussions, extracurricular activities,
and socializing.

A. THE SITE
To create a design that suits the site, designers must understand its context. By
examining the site, they can identify its strengths and weaknesses and make
informed choices about how to deal with them. This may involve designing both the
natural and built elements of the landscape to blend in with the surroundings and
resolve any existing problems. Through a deep understanding of the site, designers
can develop plans that are considerate, flexible, and appropriate for the
particular location.

Hence, the following is a summary of the site's analysis:

Strengths:

Strategic Location: The school is situated near a road, providing easy

accessibility for students, staff, and visitors.
Varied Topography: The site's diverse topography, including flat areas, steep
sections, and a cliff, can be leveraged for unique architectural designs and
aesthetic appeal.
Potential for Landscaping: The presence of open spaces allows for the creation
of green spaces, gardens, and outdoor recreational areas.

Weaknesses:

Lack of Study and Relaxation Spaces: The school currently faces a shortage of
spaces for students to study and relax, which negatively impacts the learning
environment.
Inadequate Walkways: Insufficient walkways for both students and persons with
disabilities (PWD) hinder mobility and accessibility within the campus.

Lack of Shade: The absence of adequate shade in the campus exacerbates the hot
environment, making it uncomfortable for students and staff, especially during hot
weather.

Opportunities:

. The varied topography and unique features of the site present opportunities
for innovative architectural design, blending the natural landscape with functional
spaces.
.The open spaces can be transformed into visually appealing landscapes,
providing areas for relaxation, recreation, and aesthetic enjoyment.
.The project can incorporate sustainable design principles, such as
incorporating renewable energy sources, efficient water management systems, and
eco-friendly materials.

Threats:
 . Limited funding may make it difficult to make extensive renovations and
improvements to the school site.
.The construction and renovation work required to address the identified
weaknesses may disrupt normal school operations, requiring careful planning and
scheduling.

Design Rationale:
Designing a successful landscape involves considering the site's advantages
and limitations. This project focuses on creating practical spaces that fulfill
users' requirements and promote a favorable atmosphere for learning, socializing,
and relaxation. Inclusivity is prioritized through the implementation of pathways
encircling the site, allowing effortless movement for everyone, including students
and individuals with disabilities. These pathways are carefully designed for easy
navigation, emphasizing accessibility and practicality. The project's aim is to
develop an inviting and balanced landscape that caters to the diverse needs of its
users.
The waiting zones are designed to be cozy and welcoming, with attractive
elements and comfortable seating that encourage people to gather and create a sense
of togetherness. The rest areas are designed to help people feel refreshed and
relaxed, with calming colors, gentle natural lighting, and elements inspired by
nature. These spaces provide a calm and peaceful environment where students can
relax and refresh themselves while appreciating the beauty of the surroundings.
However, the primary focus of this design concept revolves around the study areas.
These spaces serve as the centerpiece of the school environment, providing
dedicated areas for focused learning. The study areas are carefully designed to be
well-lit and equipped with ergonomic furniture, creating an optimal environment for
concentration and productivity. The layout of these spaces follows the natural flow
and integrates elements from the surrounding environment, resulting in a visually
captivating and memorable experience for students.
Moreover, the project includes a sustainable solar shed where students can
study and recharge the ir gadgets. This addition promotes sustainability and
offers students a practical and eco-friendly solution for their study needs.
Design Features:

Here are the features of the ISUlong: Igniting a Futuristic Campus Transformation
socialized housing complex.

Landscaping and Plantings: Integrate landscaping elements along the pathways to

enhance the visual appeal of the school environment. Incorporate trees, shrubs,
flowers, and other vegetation to provide shade, create pleasant views, and improve
air quality. Select plantings that are low maintenance and appropriate for the
local climate.

Gathering Spaces and Seating: Include designated gathering spaces along the
pathways where students can socialize, study, or relax. Incorporate benches,
seating areas, and outdoor classrooms to encourage interaction and create
functional outdoor learning environments.

Wayfinding and Signage: Use clear signage and wayfinding elements to guide
students, staff, and visitors to various destinations within the school campus.
Consider using maps, directional signs, and landmarks to help people navigate
easily.

Permeable Pavement: By incorporating these design features, permeable paving can

effectively manage stormwater runoff, reduce heat island effects, improve water
quality, and provide a sustainable solution for parking areas.

Educational Signage: Make the school water storage's blank wall more attractive by
adding educational signage that teaches students about various subjects through
visually appealing infographics, maps, timelines, and diagrams. Use vibrant colors
and engaging designs to make the information accessible and captivating, ensuring
that the educational content is visually appealing and informative.

Design elevated bleacher: Inspired to the terreces which serve as a dual-purpose

resting area and protective structure for trees and hazards. By elevating the
bleachers, you provide a comfortable seating space for people while minimizing
potential damage to the surrounding trees and hazards. This design ensures that
individuals have a designated area to rest and enjoy the surroundings while also
safeguarding the natural elements and preventing accidents or harm to sensitive
areas.

Tree Benches: Tree benches are crucial in schools, providing a peaceful, shaded
area for rest and relaxation. They serve as outdoor learning spaces, fostering
engagement and interaction. These benches promote social interaction, community
building, and a sense of belonging. Tree benches enhance aesthetics, create a
welcoming atmosphere, and offer environmental benefits like carbon absorption and
noise reduction. In summary, tree benches in schools connect students with nature,
promote well-being, and improve the overall environment.

Fabric tensile for study area: This structures are versatile study areas that can
be relocated easily to accommodate changes in spaces. These structures, made of
fabric membranes and tensioned cables, create lightweight canopies that can be set
up and dismantled with ease. Their portability allows for flexibility in adapting
to different environments and space requirements within a school. They can be
customized in size, shape, and configuration to fit specific areas and can be
expanded or reduced as needed. Overall, these structures provide a flexible and
adaptable solution for schools, allowing for quick adjustments to spaces while
providing an ideal study environment.

Solar Furniture/ Shed:Solar furniture/ shed is included in the proposed design

because it is important for students, especially IT students. It provides a
sustainable energy source, convenient charging options, outdoor workspace,
educational opportunities, and enhances campus aesthetics. This enables students to
utilize clean energy, work efficiently outdoors, and contribute to a sustainable
future.

Outdoor bench or planter bench:The outdoor bench in the school would have an
innovative and organic design inspired by nature, using natural materials like wood
or stone. It would feature flowing and asymmetrical shapes, integrating planters
seamlessly into its structure to create a connection with nature. Environmental
sustainability would be prioritized through the use of sustainably sourced wood and
natural stones. The design would aim to encourage social interaction, with multiple
seating areas or a semi-circular arrangement to foster a sense of community and
provide an inviting space for students to gather.

Pathway: The pathways have a wide enough space and clearances that can accommodate
person with disabilities and ensure there are no obstructions, such as low-hanging
branches, protruding objects, or uneven surfaces that could pose a hazard to
students, particularly those with visual impairments or mobility challenges.