Location:
Located along the street frontage, the entrance zone provides the main entry to the school’s administration building. Entry is generally limited to pedestrians.
The entrance zone is one of the most important areas within the school landscape. It identifies access into the school, advertises the presence and standards of the school, and sets a theme for the landscape design.
This is a high use area with high levels of movement and activity. The landscape design must reflect this through appropriately robust material selection and appropriately scaled spaces. Consider the use of advanced plant material to create instant impact and pleasant landscape areas.
Garden areas to compliment entry structures and elements such as signage, walls and steps.
| Criteria | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Microclimate | Avoid wind tunnels, overshadowing, heat and glare from paved surfaces. |
| Context | Consider framing or screening views to enhance the entrance. |
| Biodiversity Recovery | If appropriate, incorporate locally native plants to promote the identity of the area. |
| Pedestrian movement | Define main paths and connections with placement of planting. Direct towards school Administration Building. Ensure unimpeded access for people with disabilities. Refer to AS 1428 and the National Construction Code for design requirements. |
| Shade | Consider shade in waiting and gathering areas, and along the main route into the school. |
| Winter solar access | Ensure solar access is maintained to high level use areas of buildings such as offices, classrooms and the library. |
| Furniture | Low requirement. |
| Water | Irrigation may be required to achieve design objectives. Ensure hose cocks do not form obstacles to pedestrian movement. |
| Erosion | High wear potential along pathways and around entrance. |
| Surface | Generally hard paved. |
| Solar glare | Bright, reflective surface areas to be avoided. |
| Allergenic plants | Low level required due to high student use. |
| Stormwater | Avoid ponding in waiting, gathering and entry areas. |
| Lighting | Refer Schools Facilities Standards. |
| Signage | Signage to be integrated with landscape design. Refer Schools Facilities Standards. |
| Maintenance | High level required due to public profile and constant use. |
