Design Philosophy

The design for Franklin Schools Farm and Village Garden celebrates the bucolic agriculture farms and villages though out the world and the historic roots of its local community in Western Montgomery County.

The Farm

Details of Franklin Farm such as the fence style, silo shaped water cistern and neatly shaped vegetable beds mirror those of the farm located across from the school.

Fostering the idea of sustainable agriculture with locally grown, organic vegetables allow students to experience the scents and tastes of fruit and vegetables from around the world.

The school will create a program to experience the circle of life by starting seeds indoors, transplanting them into the beds and caring for them throughout the growing season.

Care of Franklin Farm will be done by the students, encompassing the Montessori tenant opportunities for children to do purposeful work that fosters self-confidence and independence. Child sized tools will be neatly stored in the shed/tools area that is easily accessed by students and teachers.

The Village

Two bean tee pee huts centered around a water trough create a village where neighbors can work together to build community.

A water pump trough is placed at the center of the village reinforcing the theme of world villages coming together around springs and wells.

Sustainable Elements

Native plantings serve to define the boundary between the farm and village and the schools parking lot as well as create natural habitat for birds, bugs and other creatures. These plantings also give a sense of enclosure, visually cueing children to stay within the defined space.

The Village and Garden integrate green design by directing roof run off into a cistern. This rainwater can be used to water plants while reducing stormwater surges within the school’s watershed.

The deep roots of conservation plantings allow for greater infiltration of storm water into the soil as opposed to the current shallow rooted turf grass found currently covering most of the selected area.

Additional Design Elements

The current enclosed patio at the front of the school will be opened up to add an additional pathway to the village and farm garden. This will allow children and parents to naturally flow from the school into the space without having to walk through a fenced in playground space or the parking lot. The new arrangement also allows for social functions that use the patio to expand into the bucolic space of the garden.

A current 12’ fire access lane will be directed to run between the village and farm space emulating country road that traverse quaint villages around the world.