The expansion of the Kent State University Esplanade won a 2015 BIA Gold award in the paving and landscape category. Architects/Landscape Architects: The Collaborative - Manufacturer: The Belden Brick Company - Masonry Contractor: Gator Construction Photo: Belden Brick

2015 Brick in Architecture Awards
In 2007, Kent State University teamed with The Collaborative to design the 2,950 LF pedestrian Esplanade between the Student Center and Wills Auditorium.

Kent State University recently engaged The Collaborative and GPD Group to expand the Esplanade by another 1,000 LF, and to include a gateway and a large lawn area. The new extension creates a direct connection between the campus, the city of Kent and the PARTA transit facility. The thoroughfare addresses issues like safety, vehicular, ADA and emergency access; mixed-use pedestrian traffic; campus wayfinding; building entries; and pedestrian connections to other campus quads.

The 2015 Brick in Architecture Awards yielded 115 entries and 46 winning projects from 21 states. You can view all the winning projects at https://tinyurl.com/nl7dgwh. See also LASN's June 2014 feature: "Kent State University Risman Plaza + Student Green" https://landscapearchitect.com/research/article.php/19295