Albuquerque Public Schools Learning Landscapes

SITES partnered with Albuquerque Public Schools to design the outdoor environments for two prototype campuses, Tierra Antigua Elementary School and Tony Hillerman Middle School. These schools were developed as models for future APS facilities, and the landscapes were created to complement the prototype buildings while connecting play, fitness, education, and environment.

SITES provided full playground and landscape design for both campuses. At Tierra Antigua Elementary, the design features a distinctive custom ocotillo shade structure, an archaeological excavation area, a wildlife habitat, and an outdoor classroom surrounded by interpretive gardens that highlight Native American plants used for food, fiber, and medicine.

The Tony Hillerman Middle School "Ancient Mesa" landscape reuses existing boulders to form waffle gardens and retaining walls. A ponding area planted to attract butterflies and birds provides a living habitat supported by bat roosts and bird feeders.

Together, these learning landscapes show how thoughtful design can turn school sites into inspiring environments that promote discovery and connection to place.