Rice School Outdoor Classroom

The site was an existing but dilapidated amphitheater, located on a wooded area behind the Houston public school la Escuela Rice. Built into the slight swell of land, the outdoor classroom located on axis to the main entrance of the school, acts as a visual focus of energy. After intensive exploration of the site, and the discovery of numerous easements, it was determined that the best solution would involve the creation of a fabric design, since aerial, electric, sewer, building and property easements severely restricted where supports could be placed. Two tubular steel arches and one column were used to tension a canopy of architectural fabric over the refurbished amphitheater. The resulting design creates a ‘cup’ for energy at the end of the main axis of the school. The project was designed and built by 13 graduate students at the University of Houston under the direction of Professor Patrick Peter. Ms. Morrison was involved in all aspects of the project from design development to construction.