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The How to Create a School Sculpture Garden Manual
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Preparing
the halls for the front end loader to enter the courtyard
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Considerations
that equal cost.
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This
door has to be doubled in size.
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Newly
replaced doors; an expense that will pay off.
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Replacing
the door paid off in time and labor.
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Creating
a tile frieze will have to wait for phase 2.
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9. COST FACTORS
When we started the School Sculpture Garden, we did not know where to begin in determining the cost of the project. Ignorance about the process of creating a garden would prove to be the greatest challenge in determining the cost. The first time we seriously looked at our courtyard as a possible sculpture garden, we only saw a grassy area with drainage grates and minimal plantings that is accessible by two doors. We thought, "A patio area in here would be nice. Let's see what the students come up with." This was not the best approach, as we did not consider the cost. However, we learned that the cost of creating a garden is easily determined if you have the correct knowledge base.
When determining cost for a patio in the sculpture garden, an important step is to decide how many people you want and/or need to accommodate. The maximum number of people a location should accommodate under very specific circumstances determines the minimum square footage needed in an area. If we were to arbitrarily plan on nine square feet of patio space per person, that is a three-foot by three-foot area, we could accommodate approximately 133 people in a 1200 square foot space. It sounds appealing until you realize that everyone would have to stand shoulder to shoulder. Instead, look at what will realistically occupy that space. For example, we wanted to use thirty-six inch round tables surrounded with four armchairs for our patio space. We also knew that we wanted to accommodate at least 28 people seated at round tables at one time. When we figured out how many square feet were required to hold the thirty-six inch table surrounded by the chairs and ample walking space, the number of people accommodated by the patio space became better defined. The size of our patio was determined this way. We identified the minimum number of people (28) we needed to comfortably seat at a 36" round table. When our math students finished their calculations they determined that we needed a 1200 square foot patio area. This is called building the program, (see Creating the Program). Clearly defining the program first will practically design the space for you. This in turn will determine your cost.
Other things you must consider in determining cost are what type of surface you want for your patio and walkways. Determine whether you can afford to pay for your entire hardscape at once or if you will need to use temporary materials as you continue to fundraise. Good consultants will sit patiently and talk realistically about cost with you. For instance, do you want stone pavers, poured concrete, or a compacted dust surface? Each of these materials requires different depths of excavation and different base materials. Do your homework. EP Henry, www.ephenry.com, for example, is a very well known manufacturer of paving materials. The EP Henry brochure explains in very simple terms exactly what materials have to be laid as a subsurface before the final hardscaping is placed. Visit your home and garden center and pick up brochures. Try to do some reading before you meet with your consultants.
You can certainly work with temporary materials until you can afford the hardscape of your choice. A word to the wise; prepare your base for the final product even if the interim material does not require it. In the long run, you will save money.
Lighting is also a cost factor. If you are considering lighting, lay the conduit even if you can't afford the lighting fixtures initially. Is there an electrician on your district's maintenance staff that can do the wiring? Survey parents at the school to see if there is a licensed electrician willing to volunteer his/her time. Laying conduit before you reseed or sod will save having to dig up the lawn at a later time. When all is said and done, planning the final program and creating the infrastructure in your first phase of construction will save you money. Consider the following.
- Will you have volunteers do the moving and hauling of construction materials?
- Do you have qualified personnel to do your excavating and to lay your hardscaping?
- If you are going to rely on volunteers and "sweat equity," at least pay a consultant to advise you and be on hand the day of construction to walk you through the process.
- Don't forget to factor in the cost of permits for excavation and renovation. (see Permits and Planning)
Don't forget your trees, shrubs, annuals, and perennials. What must be done to bring your lawn area into shape? Will it require replacing or a healthy dose of a weed deterrent? Older specimens can be expensive. You might consider vendor donations here or dedicated donations. A donation of $X.00 will purchase a tree or a shrub.
Most school districts formulate
the budget a year in advance. If you are going to fund construction or landscaping
from the annual budget, then you must think and plan at least a year in advance.
How will you fund your ongoing maintenance? Do you have a commitment from your
building administrator that maintenance of the garden will become part of the
annual building budget? While on the subject of annual budgeting, don't forget
to include the cost of insurance for sculpture that you purchase or have borrowed
on loan.
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