Time to Design - The Allon Quad
The Allon Quad, a grassy area in front of the Gates Middle School building, is named for its benefactors, the Allons, who made a gift in 2012 to develop the plot into a functional space for students. Now the time is right to put their gift to good use, and Harvey and Sue Allon couldn’t be more thrilled about the plans.
The Allon Quad, a grassy area in front of the Gates Middle School building, is named for its benefactors, the Allons, who made a gift in 2012 to develop the plot into a functional space for students. Now the time is right to put their gift to good use, and Harvey and Sue Allon couldn’t be more thrilled about the plans.
“I’m so excited for students to be able to use nature as a learning environment,” Sue says. “I always enjoyed having class outside when I was a college student. Being outside opens up the mind and I think it is inspirational to teachers, too."
To design new elements for the Allon Quad, administrators knew they had to do some consulting. With students.
Several leaders on the Grades 7/8 student council were called on to inform and collaborate with designers from Urban Play Studios and ECLA Inc. on the redesign. When the space is completed, it will not only serve as an impressive first look at campus, it will meet student needs, according to Juan Botello, director of finance and operations.
“We knew student input was crucial in this design because this space is for the students, not adults,” he explains. “It was important that we meet their needs and not make assumptions about what they want.”
Juan especially remembers how one student described the significance of planting trees in the space -- as they grow, trees represent the passing of time in every student’s life.
“I was impressed that their ideas were bigger than themselves,” he shares. “They presented concepts that included clean lines, natural elements and space for Lower School students to enjoy.”
Landscape architect Eric Crotty was surprised and excited to see students take such a strong interest in the project.
“The student council was incredibly well prepared when we first met,” he remembers. “They were very articulate and asked intelligent questions. I thought it was beneficial to the process that these young people had opinions and knew how to confidently express them. They also clearly understood the impact of their decisions and the responsibility of planning for the future.”
Seventh grader Ryan Gaghen enjoyed the chance to contribute to such a meaningful project. “It was a really fun experience and I learned a lot,” he says. “Designing the Allon Quad sounded like a simple assignment but there are many, many details to think about like traffic flow and how it will be used. I think the Allon Quad will be a hub for socializing and a good place to collaborate.”
Lower School teachers also gave ideas, and experts took all the input to create a final design that includes features like an outdoor amphitheater, seating around tables and in lounge chairs, a play structure, landscaping and open play space. The result is a timeless, attractive and purposeful space that will serve Graland for many years.
"The design has completely exceeded our expectations," Harvey says. "We're really proud of this space and how students will use it to inspire their learning."
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“I’m so excited for students to be able to use nature as a learning environment,” Sue says. “I always enjoyed having class outside when I was a college student. Being outside opens up the mind and I think it is inspirational to teachers, too."
To design new elements for the Allon Quad, administrators knew they had to do some consulting. With students.
Several leaders on the Grades 7/8 student council were called on to inform and collaborate with designers from Urban Play Studios and ECLA Inc. on the redesign. When the space is completed, it will not only serve as an impressive first look at campus, it will meet student needs, according to Juan Botello, director of finance and operations.
“We knew student input was crucial in this design because this space is for the students, not adults,” he explains. “It was important that we meet their needs and not make assumptions about what they want.”
Juan especially remembers how one student described the significance of planting trees in the space -- as they grow, trees represent the passing of time in every student’s life.
“I was impressed that their ideas were bigger than themselves,” he shares. “They presented concepts that included clean lines, natural elements and space for Lower School students to enjoy.”
Landscape architect Eric Crotty was surprised and excited to see students take such a strong interest in the project.
“The student council was incredibly well prepared when we first met,” he remembers. “They were very articulate and asked intelligent questions. I thought it was beneficial to the process that these young people had opinions and knew how to confidently express them. They also clearly understood the impact of their decisions and the responsibility of planning for the future.”
Seventh grader Ryan Gaghen enjoyed the chance to contribute to such a meaningful project. “It was a really fun experience and I learned a lot,” he says. “Designing the Allon Quad sounded like a simple assignment but there are many, many details to think about like traffic flow and how it will be used. I think the Allon Quad will be a hub for socializing and a good place to collaborate.”
Lower School teachers also gave ideas, and experts took all the input to create a final design that includes features like an outdoor amphitheater, seating around tables and in lounge chairs, a play structure, landscaping and open play space. The result is a timeless, attractive and purposeful space that will serve Graland for many years.
"The design has completely exceeded our expectations," Harvey says. "We're really proud of this space and how students will use it to inspire their learning."
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
