A specially designed outdoor classroom opens this fall: Tykeson Hall’s west terrace.

The updated open space, constructed specifically to serve as an informal learning area, has tiered bench seating that is wired with electrical outlets so students can plug in. Special lighting has been added to the area and students and staff will have access to Wi-Fi while outside.

“There was always a desire to somehow use the green space between Tykeson and Chapman halls in a meaningful way,” said Cathy Soutar, director of planning and facilities for the College of Arts and Sciences, which is housed in Tykeson. “Thanks to an anonymous donor, we now have this amazing learning space.”

The west lawn transformation was brought to life by design firm Office 52 and built by Fortis Construction, the same team that designed and built Tykeson Hall.