The elementary school Oscar Romerocollege is beautifully located in the center of Dendermonde, Belgium. Despite being situated in the heart of the city, it remains closely connected to nature.
The school grounds include several heritage sites, such as Bastion IX and the Kruitmagazijn. As an educational institution, the school intends to use these sites for students, staff members, and nature conservation purposes. The school plans to open up the bastion and make its green upper area accessible by installing an outdoor staircase. This will allow the space to be integrated into the school’s daily activities, particularly for outdoor learning, while also being opened to the public. In addition, the area on top of the bastion will provide valuable extra space for recreation and play.
What impact is the initiative aiming for?
Outdoor Learning
Children often learn more effectively when lessons include visual and hands-on experiences. By taking learning outdoors, students tend to become more engaged and attentive, making the learning process more meaningful and enriching.
According to numerous studies, outdoor learning offers many additional benefits, including improved group cohesion, better student performance, positive effects on health and well-being, and increased creativity and imagination.
Additional Play and Learning Space
Pupils need space to grow, both figuratively and literally. It is important that they are not confined to overcrowded areas during breaks and lessons, but instead have opportunities to explore, play, and learn in a spacious environment.
Providing access to the bastion will create an additional outdoor area where students can discover, play, learn, and relax. More than ever, young people need spaces where they can unwind and connect with nature. The green environment on top of the bastion will offer exactly that: a peaceful place for recreation, reflection, and learning.
Tourism
Cities with a rich history should preserve and showcase their heritage for residents and visitors alike. By opening the staircase and the bastion to the public, the initiative will help make this historical site more accessible and allow more people to appreciate its cultural and historical significance.
