Recycled garden - Dolphin School Public Art Project

Dolphin Primary School is part of Bristol City Council’s involvement in the Primary Capital Programme (PCP), a programme of school development that will renew at least half of all primary schools in England by 2022/2023.

As part of the development, we have commissioned artist Sophie Mason and landscape architect Simon Brown to develop concepts and designs for an outdoor roof garden.

Sophie Mason is an artist and urban grower dedicated to exploring creativity and nature in the urban environment. Simon Brown is a Landscape Architect and Anthropologist with a passion for imagining places of the future.

Together they are collaborating on a forward-thinking eco-friendly garden which will give the school children a chance to connect with nature.

Built from recycled materials with support from community and parent volunteers, nature ecology and sustainability are at the heart of the garden concept for the Dolphine School in Bristol.

Children will grow food in raised beds which will later be turned into lunch in the school kitchen.

A willow nook, shaded pergola and outdoor work table will provide spaces for outdoor learning and play.

Sophie will work collaboratively with the children, teachers and community of Dolphin School to understand their desires and create a beautiful and ecological science garden that produces food, reduces waste, promotes biodiversity and explores rainwater harvesting.

This exciting project shows how artists can inspire children to learn about science and to develop an appreciation of the world around them.

The work is due to be installed in Spring 2017.

Stick Coat by artist Sophie Mason