LEARNSCAPE
A signature outdoor classroom
In 2013, Hollis + Miller launched Learnscape, an annual program gifting an outdoor learning environment—designed and built entirely by our firm—to a Kansas City metro-area school. Our purposefully designed outdoor learning environments engage students in creative and alternative learning methods, while emphasizing engagement and exploration.
Learnscape is 100% funded by Hollis + Miller with help from our generous partners through time and materials. Our team of Emerging Professionals lead the effort designing, managing and executing each project with the full support of the Hollis + Miller team. Then, our employees roll up their sleeves for build day to bring the environment to life and benefitting local students. The firm donates more than 5,000 hours to this project each year.
WHY OUTDOOR LEARNING?
A survey of teachers regarding outdoor learning across 45 countries found:
87%
said students were happier and more engaged outdoors
69%
said students were better able to concentrate
68%
said students were better behaved
The firm has designed and built outdoor classrooms for the Olathe, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Shawnee Mission, Grain Valley, Raytown, Liberty and Park Hill school districts.
Our team works with district staff and students to create impactful learning opportunities that activate sensory input, emotional connection and movement. In addition, Learnscape provides a space where kids can process new information and develop creative, emotionally relevant connections between complex ideas.
OUR AWARDS
- 2020 National AIA Emerging Professionals Exhibit
- 2021 AIA KC Design Excellence Award
Learn more about our Emerging Professionals who lead the Learnscape projects.
“What was designed was definitely beyond what I had initially imagined that would work for both campuses and for our students. I was overwhelmed and overjoyed with the result and it’s been a great space for us.”
–School Principal
