Reducing Vehicular Orientation for an Enhanced Campus Experience
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DETAILS

LocationAlbany, New York, USA
ClientState University of New York at Albany
Size3 acres

With great respect for Edward Durrell Stone’s 1960s modernist campus, this new master plan redefines the campus’ first impression image and reclaims quads as new venues for an enhanced campus lifestyle. The entry drive encounters a new Collin’s Circle, now raised to the level of the entrance plaza. The earthen plinth engages the plaza entry at the new Administration Building and Podium and hosts major campus events to be staged with the podium, campanile, and fountains as their backdrop. Former parking lots and drives have been reclaimed as quads, while the relocated parking lots frame either end of the quads. A pattern of paths follows desires lines with the resulting spaces offering various levels of intimacy ranging from a quiet bench and to large open lawns to dramatic plazas.

The three-acre entrance plaza, previously dedicated to ceremonial drop-off and parking, has been transformed into a inviting central lawn and gathering space with an interactive water feature on axis with the Podium. The lawn is framed by promenades lined with seatwalls, lights, and trees; all of which are grandly scaled to this ceremonial space.

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