The landscape design for the new Trent View College was carefully considered to meet the many differing needs of the students. The new purpose-built school provides teaching and learning facilities for 60 post 16 students. It is part of Wellspring Academy Trust a community of 29 individual, unique, highly effective schools who believe in social equity and that every child has the right to an engaging, exciting education. The school is testament to modern design, accessibility, and inclusivity in education, and has been carefully designed to meet the learning objectives of those who will attend.
HLM’s landscape concept embraces external learning and provides a sustainable and stimulating setting where students can thrive and have direct contact with nature.
The design of the school grounds provides a safe and secure drop off at the main entrance, with an open and welcoming entrance Plaza. By separating vehicular and pedestrian access points and incorporating a one-way system it allows free flow of movement without conflict.
The external spaces are designed for young adults to engage with planting across the site. These areas are highly sensory, both at low level and within raised beds, allowing direct contact with nature. These also aid with the biodiversity of the site, with a wildflower meadow, habitat enhancements and provide a much-needed buffer and screen from adjacent land uses, helping to create a calm and peaceful environment for the students.
The outdoor dining space is covered, with direct access from the internal dining space, allowing students key opportunities to mentally refresh in the middle of the day, benefiting both their education and mental health.
Smaller quieter seating areas allow space for 1 to 1 time and to socialise, these are combined with other areas for larger groups and school events.
The horticultural garden with raised beds and polytunnel includes an orchard and provides a vocational horticultural learning area for the students. There is also a vocational DT workshop for car mechanic teaching and associated outdoor space for car washing, and maintenance studies.
The large multi-use games area allows for team sports, or informal activities and can also be used as a general breakout space.
Alethea Ottewell – Head of Landscape Architecture at HLM said “The landscape design at Trent View was an opportunity to create inclusive spaces that can be used by everybody regardless of their needs and mobility. It provides spaces to exert energy in a safe environment, areas to learn and grow, and places for calming, mindful activities”
