EHS Students Put Pencil to Paper to Design Courtyards

Don’t be surprised if the next great architect or landscape designer hails from Elyria High. Art and science students there put their creative minds to work designing outdoor courtyard spaces that will be situated within the academic wing of the new Elyria High School.

The courtyards not only will function as green space for students, staff and community, but as outdoor classrooms for art and science programs. The students, guided by art teachers Mel Rainey and Fred Farschman and science teachers Peggy Schuster and Sheila Lewicki, were challenged to create spaces that were timeless, with structures and features that would carry on for future generations. Some of the key elements noted by students were work tables, spaces for reflection, “green” features and educational study areas. One of the top requests? Grass.

In its urban setting, the current EHS doesn't offer a lot in the way of grassy spaces and landscaped areas, so it was important to students that the courtyards include these amenities. Both groups of art and science students were very aware that they were designing spaces for future students. "It's about the up and coming artists and other students," said one artist. "We want it to be great for future kids because we won't be here to enjoy it."

"This experience was great," said Farschman. "It is a real, tangible way for students to be involved with the project."

The youth-designed courtyard drawings are now in the hands of the landscape designers for the new Elyria High School.