Service Above Self

ELEMENT: Amphitheater

Leader: Jon Coxwell

Teacher(s) who provided requirements:

Others participating (teachers, students, Rotarians, etc.):

1. Describe this element in some detail: This element will provide an instructional area for the assembly of up to 30 students for demonstrations, lectures, stories, etc. The amphitheater will be the main area of assembly and therefore needs to be coordinated with several other elements of the courtyard design.

2. Describe the educational aspects/requirements for this element: The amphitheater is not a specific teaching station as it will not be directed toward a specific aspect of the courtyard design, but will be an enhancement to all of the teaching stations. It may well be the starting point for a class where they receive instructions, or the ending point where the hour is summarized.

3. How will this element support or meet the educational requirements, and how will the teachers and students use the element? As previously mentioned this will be an assembly area where a larger body of students will gather for instruction or entertainment. It will be an element designed for a presenter and audience as opposed to elements for hands on instruction located elsewhere in the courtyard.

4. Is there a relationship between this element and other elements in the courtyard? Yes

Which ones? Those elements which will be demonstrated to larger groups like the Astronomy Element. The pond or Water Element may also be closely associated with the Amphitheater.

5. Describe how this element will be provided and installed. The amphitheater will be an integral part of the courtyard design and construction. It will be permanent in nature and oriented toward the sun position of the Astronomy Element. If the budget allows, the amphitheater my incorporate a canopy or partial canopy associated also with the Astronomy element. A key to the function of the amphitheater will be seating of some nature and orientation toward the presenter as a focal point. The seating elements will be designed of a combination of pressure treated wood, concrete, and/ or concrete block. The walking areas and presentation area will be hard surfaced of concrete or masonry pavers. Attention must be paid to collection and disposal of surface water, which may require some under surface plumbing.

6. What resources are needed to complete this element? Construction will require people skilled in the placement of these materials either as volunteers or as paid contractors.

7. What maintenance do you foresee for this element over the next ten years? The Amphitheater needs to be constructed from materials that will not require maintenance other than normal cleaning over the next 10 years.

8. Other issues you and your team feel are important? The element will be a focal point just because of its size. It therefore must be coordinated with all of other elements of the courtyard. It may in fact be a non-element that is created by the bounding of other teaching stations. It could well be a volume of space that is created by placing other teaching stations around its perimeter. If this is the case, function and orientation will be the prime considerations.