Ankara College

01. The Challenge and The Fundamental approaches

This courtyard was located at the center of the school, on the ground floor, with a full glass roof above it. While the glass allowed some light in, it also reduced the amount of sunlight reaching the lower levels. This created both advantages and challenges: the space was shaded, requiring shade-tolerant plants, yet the glass also softened the harshness of direct sunlight from above. By choosing the right plant species for these unique conditions, we achieved a successful and lasting result.

Since the courtyard was located in the very center, we needed a design that looked equally balanced and appealing from all four sides.The design needed to make garden maintenance easy, with enough space for the gardener to reach every plant safely.For long-term success and low-maintenance care, a well-planned irrigation system was non-negotiable.We needed to design a joyful and inviting courtyard that created a sense of depth, offered a pleasant view from every angle, and maintained open visibility without blocking sightlines.

02. The implementations and The Solution

Our goal was to bring a sense of nature into the space—an inner garden located within the school’s dining hall, surrounded by large grey concrete walls. We aimed to soften the environment, add natural beauty, and create a peaceful, refreshing atmosphere where students could relax and breathe while enjoying their meals.

• Our plant selection focused on resilient, shade-adapted species that require minimal maintenance.
• Circular natural slate stones were added to allow easy movement during maintenance while enhancing the garden’s visual appeal.
• We implemented a drip irrigation system to support low-maintenance and water-efficient gardening.
• Given the limited light, we prioritized shade-loving greenery and used decorative colored moss to introduce subtle color accents.
• By arranging the plants in clusters, we achieved a more harmonious look with visual impact and simplified maintenance.

03. The Result

This carefully designed courtyard transformed a previously cold and unused space into a vibrant, livable green area. The combination of shade-loving plants, thoughtful layout, and soft materials helped create a strong visual and emotional impact—offering daily comfort and beauty to students and staff alike.