SLK Outdoor Learning Space by Monsala: Transforming a Concrete Lot into a Green, Immersive Outdoor Classroom

The SLK Outdoor Learning Space by Monsala reimagines a previously unused concrete plot, once reserved for future school expansion, into a vibrant and inspiring outdoor educational environment. Located in Tanjung Priok, Indonesia, the 328 m² project demonstrates how thoughtful landscape design can turn rigid, underutilized spaces into dynamic zones that support interaction, creativity, and ecological connection.

Designed by lead architects Marco Victorio and Stella Thamrin, the project introduces a rich tapestry of spatial typologies that encourage exploration, collaboration, and meaningful engagement with nature. The transformation highlights Monsala’s commitment to sustainable, user-centered educational environments, supported by landscape designers Plant Your Plan and built by Kyriacon.

Reclaiming a Concrete Foundation Through Strategic Elevation

The existing site was a full concrete slab prepared for a potential building extension, posing significant constraints for introducing greenery and natural features. Monsala’s solution was both simple and elegant: elevate the floor plane to create a new landscape layer above the slab.

The void between the old and new levels became a concealed system of planter boxes, deep enough to support soil, shrubs, and even trees. This strategy not only softened the former hardscape but also created a breathable and ecological learning ground, allowing nature to flourish in an unexpected place.

A Sculpted Terrain Designed for Curiosity and Engagement

Monsala approached the elevated surface as a creative medium, “a sheet of paper” to be cut, folded, and carved. Openings were “punched” into the plane, extending either downward or upward, forming a variety of experiential zones tailored for different learning styles and moods.

Key Spatial Typologies

• Sunken Circular Bench: A quiet, enclosed seating area ideal for concentration, small group discussions, or private moments of reflection.
• Raised, Organic Seating Areas: Irregular forms at the upper plane encourage casual social interaction, fostering an atmosphere of openness and connection.
• Green-filled Voids: Lush plantings occupy the cut-outs, establishing a seamless blend between architecture and landscape.

This interplay of elevation, vegetation, and form creates a richly layered environment where every corner presents a new spatial experience.

Integrating Play, Learning, and Nature

At the outer edge of the platform, the architects introduced a curved climbing wall, adding an element of active play within the learning landscape. This integrated feature complements the calm, garden-like character of the main platform, reinforcing the idea that education extends beyond traditional classrooms and embraces physical, sensory exploration.

Adjacent to the climbing wall sits a greenhouse, strategically kept at the original ground level. Its separation from the elevated learning deck creates a subtle shift in ambiance, more intimate, more focused, allowing students to feel as though they’ve stepped into a different micro-world dedicated to cultivation and observation.

This spatial arrangement supports a holistic approach to learning, merging hands-on gardening, outdoor teaching, social interaction, and independent exploration into a cohesive environment.

A Model for Adaptive School Landscapes

The SLK Outdoor Learning Space stands as a model for how schools with limited land resources can still create meaningful outdoor environments. Through smart elevation strategies, sculpted topography, and an emphasis on greenery, Monsala demonstrates how even the most unpromising urban plots can be transformed into ecosystems of creativity and vitality.

The project reflects broader shifts in educational architecture: toward outdoor classrooms, biophilic design, flexible landscapes, and nature-driven learning environments, responding to the evolving needs of students and teachers.

All photographs are works of  Jonathan Raditya