The goal of the landscape is to provide clear and accessible connections between the buildings and wayfinding for the campus, as well as provide an outdoor respite in our California climate. Large shade trees and landscape rooms will serve as outdoor classrooms, dining areas, and outdoor gathering spaces in a variety of sizes. The Dining Court on Level 1 opens out to a tree-filled plaza on three sides, creating shaded dining areas for the students, faculty and staff. A series of curved benches on the east side of the raised stage allows for a theater in the round experience with seating under the canopy of the trees.
On the east side of the building, at the north end of the fire lane, a stepped amphitheater that can be used as a small outdoor classroom will provide seating while mitigating the grade change. The main entrance to the pool will be flanked on one side with low planting and canopy trees on the other side. South towards the Michigan Avenue gate, an outdoor dining garden will include built-in benches and a BBQ station for the students. Incorporated into the landscape are elements in which students can “learn through the landscape.” This includes native California and Mediterranean landscaping, plants that attract local fauna, exposing rainwater collection and drainage systems, and demonstration gardens.