From Hardscape to Habitat: Creating Climate Resilience in Urban Public Schoolyards
Alicia Bartoli-Arnold
SCASLA Achievement Award
The judges praised the project’s playful, childlike graphics, strong research, and genuine excitement, which made it a standout among the Capstone presentations. The continuation of building blocks and inclusion of natural spaces for education were especially appreciated. The layout was clear and well organized The project goals and statement guided the design effectively, making this a memorable and impactful submission.
As major urban landowners, public school districts hold a unique opportunity to advance climate resilience through large-scale improvements in heat island reduction and stormwater management. Within this context, my project envisions outdoor spaces that are welcoming, beautiful, and interactive living models of environmental stewardship. At its core, this project is about cultivating relationships and responsibility: strengthening community, advancing climate resilience, and inspiring future generations to form deep connections with the living systems that sustain us.
About alicia
As a seasoned educator and artist now transitioning into landscape architecture, I am drawn to reimagine urban educational outdoor spaces. With two decades of experience in urban public education, I have seen firsthand how thoughtfully designed environments can spark cognitive growth and nurture ecological connection. Committed to design as a form of activism, my vision is to develop collaborative approaches that create equitable, sustainable, and inspiring spaces where we can learn, play, and reconnect with natural systems in the urban landscape. The profession of landscape architecture stands at a critical intersection of educational justice, environmental justice, and community empowerment. Through this lens, I seek to design environments that engage directly with natural systems, fostering immersion in the stories of water, land, life, and community.