Rearranging and Designing A School-scape

Possible outcome Conclusion

Mapping and Analyze

Site - Rajendrapur Cantonment Public School and college

Started - 2001

Area- Rajjendrapur Cantonment, Gazipur

Site Image

The school choosen is situated in Rajendrapur, Gazipur district. The soil there is the part of Madhupur Tract

The Madhupur Tract

The Madhupur Tract is a large, hilly tract of land in central Bangladesh. It is covered by a unique type of soil known as Madhupur clay, which is nutrientpoor and somewhat acidic. The soils are red or brown in color and have a clayey texture. They are also highly aggregated, meaning that they are held together in small clumps. This makes them difficult to work with, but it also helps to improve their water-holding capacity.

The Madhupur Tract is home to a variety of plant and animal life. The forests are dominated by sal trees, but there are also a number of other species, including bamboo, cane, and palms. The forests are home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, deer, and monkeys.

The Madhupur Tract is an important source of timber and fuelwood. The forests are also a popular destination for recreation and tourism. The soils of the Madhupur Tract are not well suited for agriculture. However, some crops, such as boro rice, can be grown in the valleys. The soils are also used for grazing livestock.

The Madhupur Tract is under threat from deforestation and development. The forests are being cleared for agriculture, logging, and other development projects. This is having a negative impact on the environment and the wildlife in the area.

For the Madhupur Tract soils,

- The pH of the soil ranges from 5.2 to 5.9.

- The soils are low in organic matter and nutrients.

- The soils are prone to erosion.

- The soil is slow to drain.

Despite these challenges, the Madhupur Tract soils can be productive if they are properly managed. The following are some of the best practices for managing Madhupur Tract soils.

Source-https://en.banglapedia.org/index.php/Madhupur_Tract, https://plantlet.org/soils-of-bangladesh/, https://www.researchgate. net/publication/319795269_Floristic_Composition_of_Madhupur_National_Park_MNP_Tangail_Bangladesh

The Madhupur Tract

HMUMUS LAYER

ORGANIC LAYER

TOP SOIL

ACQUA LAYER

BED ROCK

Existing Flora and Fauna

Rajendrapur Cantonment Public School is one of the Cantonment Public Schools under army facilities with excellent amenities, well-organized nature, a distinct ecosystem, and a beautiful scenery. When we discussed the Madhupur tract and the Vawal forest, the schools ecosystem formed with characteristics of a special kind. Nonetheless, there are areas of Cantonment that have been redesigned and reshaped for various purposes. With the regional flora, we can see certain foreign flora kinds that are bad for the environment, as well as some seasonal ornamental flower bushes to provide beauty. The school is surrounded by trees, and many different species of birds and animals visit.

Existing Flora and Fauna

Flora:

The vegetation in Gazipur Rajendrapur typically consists of a mix of both natural and cultivated plant species. The area is characterized by lush greenery, with a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowering plants. Common tree species found in the region include mango, jackfruit, guava, bamboo, neem, and teak. Alongside these trees, you can expect to find various types of flowering plants like marigolds, roses, hibiscus, and jasmine.

Fauna:

The fauna of Gazipur Rajendrapur includes a diverse range of animal species, both terrestrial and avian. Several common mammals found in the region include deer, wild boars, monkeys, foxes, and various rodents. It is also possible to encounter reptiles like snakes and lizards.

In terms of avifauna, Gazipur Rajendrapur attracts numerous bird species due to its greenery and water bodies. You may spot different types of birds, including parrots, mynas, pigeons, kingfishers, herons, egrets, and various species of ducks and waterfowls around the wetlands and lakes in the area.

It’s important to note that the specific flora and fauna in Gazipur Rajendrapur can vary based on factors such as seasonal changes and habitat alterations. To get the most accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend reaching out to local wildlife and environmental authorities or conducting further research with more recent sources specific to the area.

Existing common flora

Jactfruit(Artocarpus heterophyllus)

Shal Tree(Shorea robusta)

Plam(Arecaceae)

Exotic Tree such as Eucalyptus and Akashmoni

Mango(Mangifera indica)

Lychee(Litchi chinensis)

Jaam Tree(Syzygium fruticosum)

Dhalia(Dahlia pinnata) Marigold(Genus Tagetes)

Seasonal flower tree

Existing common fauna

Mammals Birds

Existing common fauna

Reptiles

Amphibians

Mammals: Gazipur Shalbon may be home to various mammal species, including sambar deer, barking deer, wild boars, rhesus macaques, and possibly some species of primates like langurs or gibbons.

Birds: Bangladesh is known for its rich birdlife, and Gazipur Shalbon may host a diverse range of avian species. Some examples could include various species of eagles, vultures, owls, herons, storks, kingfishers, woodpeckers, and many other resident and migratory bird species.

Reptiles: Reptiles are likely to be present in the park, and potential sightings could include various species of snakes, such as cobras and pythons, as well as monitor lizards, tortoises, and turtles.

Amphibians: Different types of frogs and toads could inhabit the wetland areas of Gazipur Shalbon, taking advantage of the water bodies present in the park.

Invertebrates: Numerous invertebrates, such as butterflies, beetles, spiders, and various insects, may also be found in the park, contributing to the overall biodiversity.

Monkey(Rhesus Macaques) Mongoose(Herpestidae)

Tortoise(Testudinidae)

Toad(Bufonidae)

Jackal(Canis Mesomelas)

Monitor lizards(Varanus)

Common toad(Bufo bufo)

Monkey(Rhesus Macaques)

Jol-Dhora(Checkered keelback)

Wild boar(Sus Scrofa)

Magpie-Robin(Copsychus Saularis)

Kingfisher(Alcedinidae)

Starling(Sturnidae)

Woodpecker(Picidae)

Sparrow(Passeridae)

Parrot(Psittacula Eupatria )

Monkey(Rhesus Macaques)

Precedent Analysis

In this project,

-CAW Architects created a cluster of agrarian buildings for Stanford Educational Farm, located on the edge of Stanford University’s campus in Silicon Valley.

-The structures are made from prefabricated elements and economical materials, and are designed to minimize their impact on the site.

-The buildings serve a variety of purposes, including providing space for food production, education, and community events.

-The project is a model for sustainable and educational agricultural design.

Here are some additional details about the project:

-The buildings are arranged in a cluster to preserve the majority of the site for field crops and orchards.

-The buildings are oriented to maximize natural light and ventilation.

-The buildings are made from recycled materials and sustainable construction practices were used throughout the design and construction process.

-The buildings are equipped with energy-efficient systems to reduce their environmental impact.

This initiative focuses on getting benefits from nature and incorporating them into the curriculum.

In this project,

-TURF is a 22,000 square meter (237,000 square foot) rooftop farm located on the Thammasat University Rangsit Campus in Thailand. The farm was designed by LANDPROCESS and was completed in 2020.

-TURF is Asia’s largest urban rooftop farm and produces over 20 tons of organic food each year.

-The farm uses a variety of sustainable practices, including rainwater harvesting, composting, and solar power.

-TURF is also a educational and community space, and offers workshops, tours, and other events.

Here are some additional details about the project:

-It provides a sustainable source of food for the university community and the surrounding area.

-It reduces the university’s reliance on imported food.

-It helps to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution.

-It provides a space for students to learn about sustainable agriculture.

-It creates a green oasis in the middle of a busy city.

Whilst this is a rooftop farming project, several concepts and programs may be used on a smaller scale as well. The benefits will benefit not just the farmers, but also the people who live around it as well.

Cluster of agrarian buildings for Stanford Educational Farm by CAW Architects Thammasat University Urban Rooftop Farm (TURF) project:

Design and Decisions

Landscape Design and Decisions

1-Re-Arranging the plant community.

There aren’t many design options that need to be made at the chosen school to improve the quality of nature or the pupils’ livelihood. In many aspects, the school is self-contained. It provides enough classroom facilities for kids. There is a field and a separate basketball court for pupils within 7 acre. There are some options for dealing with nature, ecology, and landscape.

A variety of exotic plants, including eucalyptus, may be seen in the schoolyard. Instead of planting and caring for native trees and flora, some alien flowers and shrubs are planted. Designing the landscape to meet the demands of the unique ecosystem might be quite beneficial.

2-Adding land for farming in the school area.

Another thing to consider is making some land available for farming. Farming in the curriculum might be a fantastic selection because agriculture is a topic that is elective for kids in school. Knowing about farming personally will increase their understanding of its nature and demands in a variety of ways.

3-Introduce and insert the lake-like waterbody in the school area

There is a lake-like body of water that may be introduced into the school area in a regulated manner. Part of it can be inserted in the school area which also will be can be used in farming needs,

Reasons behind the decisions

In Bangladesh, including farming in the educational curriculum might be a wise move. Agriculture is vital to the country’s economy, employing a large section of the workforce and contributing to food security. Including farming in the school curriculum may equip pupils with practical information and skills, encouraging an awareness of agricultural methods from an early age. It has the ability to foster a link between the younger generation and the agricultural industry, thereby boosting future agricultural vocations and solving the issue of rural-urban migration.

Furthermore, introducing farming into the school curriculum helps encourage environmental awareness and sustainability. Children may learn about organic agricultural techniques, natural resource protection, and the value of biodiversity. This hands-on experience may establish a sense of environmental responsibility and support future sustainable farming practices.

Numerous countries have successfully undertaken programs of this nature. In India, for example, the National Agricultural Science Center for Upper Primary Schools encourages farming activities in schools in order to improve agricultural education and practical learning. Students, instructors, and communities have given this program excellent feedback, demonstrating the potential benefits of incorporating farming into the school curriculum.

References: Khan, A. A., & Rehman, A. (2017). Agriculture Education in India: A Review. Journal of Experimental Agriculture International, 21(6), 1-10. doi: 10.9734/JEAI/2017/36663.

FAO Bangladesh. (2021). Bangladesh at a Glance. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/bangladesh/fao-in-bangladesh/bangladesh-ata-glance/en/

Benifits of arranging farming into school

Design and Decisions School Farming

- Studnets will be aware of the nature around them

- The school farming architecture will prioritize organic farming methods, minimizing the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

- Experiential Learning and Curriculum Integration will be possible

- The school farming architecture should facilitate student involvement in farm-related projects, such as growing crops, raising livestock, and managing farm resources, to enhance their understanding of agriculture and food production

- Community Engagement and Outreach will be possible

- Outreach programs should be established to educate the wider community about the importance of sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and food security

Design and Decisions Policy

Sustainability: School farms should be designed to be sustainable, using environmentally friendly materials and practices. This could include using solar panels to generate electricity, rainwater harvesting for irrigation, and composting food waste.

Health and safety: School farms should be designed to be safe for students and staff. This includes having proper fencing, handwashing stations, and first aid kits.

Accessibility: School farms should be designed to be accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. This could include having wide pathways, ramps, and accessible restrooms.

Flexibility: School farms should be designed to be flexible, so that they can be used for a variety of activities, such as gardening, animal husbandry, and food preparation. Community engagement: School farms should be designed to engage the local community. This could include hosting community events, providing educational programs, and selling produce to local businesses.

5 6 7 8 9 10

Mixed classes allow students to be categorized. This will allow pupils to more effectively use and acquire knowledge.

Students can divide the responsibility themselves, but each group should have a teacher as a co-ordinator to assist them in organizing their work.

As an example, each hue symbolizes a different class of kids, each with a distinct task and a specific section of the farm to care for.

Reference: United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) program, National Agriculture in the Classroom, Farm to School: Strategies for Urban Schools

Design and Decisions

Division to separate zone for differnt types of fish

Different zone for multiple farming types

Natural Hydro Irrigation

Design and Decisions

The school is located in Rajendrapur, Gazipur, Bangladesh, which has a favorable climate and soil conditions for agricultural activities. Several crops are suitable for farming in this region. Here are some of the crops that are commonly grown in Gazipur and surrounding areas:

Types of farming can be arranged in the school area-

Rice: Rice is the staple food of Bangladesh, and Gazipur is no exception. The region’s fertile soil and abundant water resources make it suitable for paddy cultivation.

Vegetables: Various vegetables thrive in Gazipur’s agricultural landscape. These include tomatoes, potatoes, onions, garlic, leafy greens like spinach and lettuce, eggplants, okra, and various gourds such as bottle gourd and bitter gourd.

Fruits: Gazipur is known for its fruit production. Popular fruits grown in the area include mangoes, bananas, papayas, guavas, jackfruits, pineapples, and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons.

Spices and condiments: Farmers in Gazipur cultivate various spices and condiments, including turmeric, ginger, chili peppers, coriander, and cumin, which are essential ingredients in traditional Bangladeshi cuisine.

Flowers: Floriculture is gaining popularity in Gazipur, with farmers growing flowers such as roses, marigolds, gerberas, and gladioli for both local consumption and export.- organize the writting

Figure- Variation of plants and corps in school farm zone

A school landscape designed with exposed views and organized zones for children’s playlots offers several benefits. It enhances the learning environment by inspiring creativity and providing a visually stimulating setting. The organized playlots promote physical activity, supporting students’ health and well-being. These spaces also encourage social interaction, teamwork, and the development of important social skills. Safety measures ensure a secure environment for play. Additionally, the exposure to nature and green spaces positively impacts concentration, reduces stress levels, and enhances academic performance. Overall, such a landscape fosters holistic development, creating a vibrant and engaging educational experience for students.

Landscape Design and Decisions

Landscape Design and Decisions

Enhanced Landscape with local flora

Farming zone

Exposed View and zoned walkway, playlot

Organised filed

Farming zone with various kinds made by students

Fish-Farming zone and also lake water used for watering the corps

In conclusion, school farming programs and nature awareness initiatives offer valuable educational experiences, promote student well-being, strengthen community bonds, and foster a culture of environmental stewardship. By engaging in hands-on farming activities and developing a deeper understanding of nature, students gain practical knowledge, enhance their scientific literacy, and cultivate a greater appreciation for the environment. These initiatives play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable and environmentally conscious society, where individuals are empowered to make informed decisions and take action to protect our planet.

I tried to impliment some programmes and arranging some policies which can help students to be aweare of the nature they live around, also create a natural ecosystem.