The redesign of the Keene State College Natural Science Center provided an opportunity to create a 9,000 square foot courtyard that is a relaxing and inspiring setting and integrate it into the school’s curriculum. The design captures the essential character of the New Hampshire landscape as a model outdoor field laboratory. Paving patterns and materials interpret geologic strata and processes with native stone types. Large boulders represent rock outcrops and the plant palette was carefully selected to represent ecological communities of New Hampshire. Two wells allow for monitoring water quality and groundwater levels.