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Albany, New York by The LA Group Landscape Architecture & Engineering P.C.
The Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS) and The LA Group of Saratoga Springs, New York, embarked on an ambitious initiative to enhance students' educational, social, and recreational experience by creating a vibrant outdoor gathering hub that nurtures not only intellectual growth but also the overall well-being of students throughout their educational journey. This initiative was driven by the findings of a comprehensive master plan study conducted in 2019 led by The LA Group, JMZ Architects and Planners, and Huston Engineering. The master plan study conducted a thorough exploration of the college's needs and aspirations for the campus. It entailed a meticulous evaluation involving a detailed site analysis that scrutinized opportunities and constraints, examined vehicular and pedestrian circulation patterns, evaluated site drainage, and assessed lighting and safety concerns. Additionally, the site assessment encompassed a detailed review of pavements, site amenities, signage, and landscaping conditions as well as the adequacy of outdoor spaces, accessibility, and parking. Stakeholder engagement in the master planning process was extensive, incorporating a range of methods such as a student engagement workshop and an online survey. These initiatives aimed to directly gather insights from those who would be most affected by the project. This inclusive approach proved to be crucial in establishing the groundwork for the subsequent design phase. The site analysis revealed that the campus lacked sufficient outdoor gathering spaces, adequate walkways, and an overall sense of arrival and campus identity. This was further confirmed by interviews with faculty, staff, and students. Additionally, those who attended the student engagement workshop and participated in the online survey also identified providing more outdoor gathering spaces and improving walkways as priorities. Only 7% of those who attended the workshop thought there were sufficient places on campus to meet and socialize with friends. In response to these shortcomings, the team created the Campus Green initiative, which envisioned creating a diverse outdoor space within an existing open lawn situated on the south side of campus. The existing green space, although expansive, suffered from wear and a lack of significant integration with the campus, leading to its underutilization and neglect. Nevertheless, recognizing the ample available land and its proximity to the bustling Student Center, this location was selected for revitalization into a distinct and inclusive focal point that had been noticeably absent from the campus landscape. A key vision for the project was to provide an inspiring outdoor environment that supports a myriad of active, passive, and educational opportunities aimed to offer students a much-needed respite from the confines of indoor classrooms.
As seen in LASN magazine, June 2024.
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