Gibbs School
Arlington, MA
711
linear feet of reset, repurposed stone upcycled for campus seating
13,785
square feet of outdoor classrooms and maker space
72
bicycle parking spaces, 20 more than for cars
Striving for academic achievement and social-emotional growth, the Gibbs School was artfully readapted to its original public-school use to address overcrowding. Dedicated to sixth-grade students transitioning into upper grades, the school’s mantra, “understanding, unified and unstoppable” served as inspiration for the thoughtful articulation and creative adaptation of the landscape design, where kids are put first.
Play time is equal to learning time. To this end, the design incorporates community and educational garden plots, improves wayfinding, increases accessibility, and creates an intriguing range of playground elements and seamless outdoor classroom features. Aimed at supporting a child’s freedom and self-confidence through simple gestures and materials, the landscape encourages diverse activities, motion, and exploration. DMLA understands that function trumps aesthetics for this age group—as this is how children evaluate their environments—the quality of the space affects the quality of the play.
Gibbs School Students
Kristin DeFrancisco, Gibbs School Principal
Underscoring sustainable design practices the team’s approach minimized impervious surfaces, increased drought tolerant plantings, and prioritized canopy cover by creating a care plan for existing trees by weaving them into the educational and play spaces on campus. Why is being immersed in play vital? Children have the opportunity to develop their imagination, creativity, and social skills—on their way to becoming unstoppable.
Gibbs School Students
Project Team
- Client: Town of Arlington, MA
- Architect: Finegold Alexander Architects
- Civil Engineer: Nitsch Engineering
- General Contractor: Shawmut Design and Construction
- Landscape Contractor: Xquisite Landscaping
- Photographer: Anthony Crisafulli, Raj Das