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.
UC Davis West Village
UC Davis West Village is a new 225-acre development in Davis, California, that responds to a substantial growth in the number of students, faculty and staff living on the University’s campus. The city of Davis is a unique and cherished community, and great care was taken throughout the design and planning process to pay homage to its history and culture. The n...
CSULB Liberal Arts Courtyards
The programming and design of the Liberal Art Courtyards were the result of the successful landscape master plan for 322 acres, completed by SWA in 2012 and enhancing the existing campus aesthetic and experience while improving functional relationships for its students, faculty, and community. Considerations included a wealth of open spaces largely devoted to ...
Montclair State University Student Center and Quad
SWA/Balsley collaborated with DIG Architects and Montclair State University to reimagine the campus student center, adjacent quad, and connections to the surrounding campus. Through site analysis and project stakeholder meetings, key pedestrian and vehicular circulation routes were identified for resident students, daily commuters, and University staff. The st...
University of Chicago Booth School of Business
This project regenerates a spectacular, historic cliff-side waterfront site by activating it with new purpose. Working carefully to interweave layers of preservation and natural beauty, the building and landscape work together to leave a light footprint. Today, a distinctive global campus honors the history of its earlier occupation while providing inspiration...