Tradition. Culture. History. All of which had to be considered by Flad and Associates when they designed the landscape for the University of Wisconsin-Madison?EUR??,,????'???s Engineering Centers campus. In an interview with LASN, Lead Landscape Architect Craig Schiestl, noted that work began on the project in 1999. While the bulk was completed in 2002, there are other elements of the campus where future construction is planned. The goal of the project was to maintain the tradition, culture and history of the campus while designing a new landscape. ?EUR??,,????'??We were trying to create a sense of place,?EUR??,,????'?? said Schiestl. ?EUR??,,????'??We will continue to see the evolution of this side of campus.?EUR??,,????'?? The scope of work for the project included full-service landscape architectural site analysis, planning, and design work for the Engineering Centers (EC)-a new multi-disciplinary, educational/research facility of approximately 204,000 gross square feet. The project, located at the western edge of a major Midwestern university, creates an important transitional space between the campus, an adjacent residential neighborhood, and an historic church. The project occupies a highly visible corner location, and anchors a prominent gateway to campus. Work effort focused on the following areas: ?EUR??,,????'???? Site selection; building configuration and orientation ?EUR??,,????'???? The definition of pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular circulation, including entry sequence to the facility ?EUR??,,????'???? The design of transitional elements on the neighborhood edge ?EUR??,,????'???? The development of outdoor spaces and streetscape improvements ?EUR??,,????'???? A thorough, well conceived response to a challenging cross-site grade drop In this urban environment, emphasis was placed on the planning and design of public spaces that are adaptable to a variety of uses, and that are able to ?EUR??,,????'??carry?EUR??,,????'?? high volumes of foot and vehicle traffic. Planning & Design Philosophy The purpose of the project is to co-locate a variety of departments and student spaces that were previously scattered throughout the campus to foster interaction and to establish community among academic staff, students, and representatives of business and industry. A realized goal of the site development is the creation of an out-of-doors ?EUR??,,????'??sense of place?EUR??,,????'?? for student and staff gathering that is central to a number of buildings and functions. ?EUR??,,????'??The new Engineering Centers is meant to be a gathering point,?EUR??,,????'?? revealed Schiestl. ?EUR??,,????'??It?EUR??,,????'???s a place for engineering faculty and students to meet.?EUR??,,????'?? Attention was given to creating a seamless transition from interior to exterior spaces, which allows maximal use of each for program functions. Landscape architects were actively involved in the process from inception to completion, and were major contributors in establishing design direction, the presentation of design ideas at a variety of forums, and the documentation and implementation of the project. Unique Factors The project addressed a variety of unique factors involving stewardship, wise planning, and artful design of cultural and natural environments. Stewardship In plaza and street front locations, urban-tolerant, drought resistant, low-maintenance/high visual impact plants were selected to conserve resources, reduce maintenance, and ensure longevity. Structural soil ensures vigor in harsh conditions. Abutting street frontage at the west side of the site, an embankment supported a mix of vegetation buffering the neighborhood from University facilities. In working with University and neighborhood groups, a plan was devised to selectively thin overstory trees and clear invasive species. Plantings included an evergreen hedge row at the embankment?EUR??,,????'???s crest. Carefully sited understory and overstory trees complement remaining vegetation. The steeply pitched embankment, planted with a naturalized grass/wildflower mix, eliminates erosion, limits maintenance, and provides seasonal display. Steepened grades allow space for streetscape improvements, including street trees. Wise Planning The degree and complexity of coordination with various civic, municipal, and state entities posed a challenge. Numerous meetings were required to gain approvals. The project, viewed in context of the master plan, required early and comprehensive planning. Relationships between existing and future buildings were studied to create exterior spaces for present and future functions. Redefining and improving the image of the campus edge and its relationship to the abutting neighborhood required careful planning and thorough discussion. The diversity of land use and architectural style found in the vicinity of the site provided a high level of contextual complexity. Issues included the nature of vegetative buffer, maintaining sight lines to an adjacent historic church, and methods of mitigating the scale differential between academic buildings and neighboring residences. Another issue taken into consideration was the fact that much of the construction would be taking place while school was in session. Accessibility to campus and nearby buildings was a concern. ?EUR??,,????'??We had to maintain a public walk on the north side throughout the lifetime of the project,?EUR??,,????'?? said Schiestl. Artful Design A primary purpose of the project was to build a sense of community and to create a ?EUR??,,????'??meeting place?EUR??,,????'?? for staff, students, and representatives of business and industry within the College of Engineering. Clarity of entry sequence, destination, and visibility were very important. The character of the architecture and site work convey the image of the College to the University, and the public. Exterior spaces were designed to be inviting, highly functional, and able, to accommodate a variety of uses ranging from circulation zones capable of supporting high volumes of foot and vehicle traffic to outdoor exhibition space for expositions. Material selection and design composition are compatible with the historic character of adjacent buildings, while providing imagery of 21st century technology. ?EUR??,,????'??This particular project, just by virtue of its urban location, was geared a bit more toward hardscape design,?EUR??,,????'?? said Schiestl. A grade drop of 26 feet across the site required the thoughtful planning of cross-site circulation, ADA accessibility, building siting, and grade relationships at the building perimeter. A state-sponsored project must reflect the judicious use of taxpayer monies. The artistic use of site elements, materials, and forms undergo continuous review to gain acceptance based on maintenance requirements, life cycle costs, longevity, and appropriateness to campus, and civic context. Naturally, maintenance is always a concern on a completed project. Flad and Associates chose maintainable colored and patterned concrete as well as drought tolerant foliage. ?EUR??,,????'??This is not an expensive, high-maintenance budget item for the university,?EUR??,,????'?? revealed Sheri Rice, Media Relations for Flad and Associates. ?EUR??,,????'??We designed something that they will be able to maintain and use.?EUR??,,????'?? Role of the Landscape Architect Landscape architects were actively involved in the project from inception to completion, and contributed significantly to its success. As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, the following comprehensive site planning, and design services were provided: ?EUR??,,????'???? Active participation in establishing project concept, including planning lead on site analysis, site selection, and planning option evaluation; ?EUR??,,????'???? Design lead on exterior development, including spatial organization, site circulation, hardscape detailing, the selection of construction materials and site furnishings, plant selection and design, and specification coordination. ?EUR??,,????'???? Planning and design presentations to a variety of civic, municipal, and state-sponsored groups, including neighborhood associations, city alders, urban design committees, municipal departments, campus planning staff, and user groups. Discipline-specific duties included: Documentation of sitework from concept through construction phases. Hardscape design included stone and precast concrete-clad site walls, steps, pavements, traffic bollards, and rail/fence systems. Planting design included plant selection, and the research and specification of structural soil for streetscape plantings: Discipline-specific duties included: ?EUR??,,????'???? Grading concept and documentation, which included relationships to existing buildings, roadways walks, and the selection of building floor elevations; ?EUR??,,????'???? Administration duties included response to contractor requests for information, shop drawing review, observation reports, and punch list documentation. Collaboration with other disciplines included: ?EUR??,,????'???? Architects regarding the integration of building, and site development; ?EUR??,,????'???? Structural engineers regarding design of walls, pavements, and site items; ?EUR??,,????'???? Electrical engineers regarding exterior lighting design; ?EUR??,,????'???? Mechanical and plumbing engineers regarding the routing, and sizing of site utilities. The project was also used as a vehicle to facilitate an internal mentoring program for junior staff. Career development opportunities included: observation/involvement in the design process, construction observation, participation in shop drawing review, punch list development, and the coordination of construction period activities. Plan Key - Various elements as seen on pages 38 - 39 1. North Plaza Separation of upper and lower plazas provides spatial diversity Building setback/plaza design maintain sight lines to the church Plantings define movement relate to curved facade of the building Seating on steps, walls, and stone cubes encourages gathering Lighting in walls for design accent and safety Decorative stainless steel and stone bollards for traffic control Plant selection for seasonal interest and low maintenance Patterned, colored concrete provides interest and low maintenance at judicious cost 2. Breese Terrace Frontage Street trees mitigate scale differential between academic facilities, and residential architecture, and provide pedestrian-scale spatial qualities Use of structural/engineered soil allows root growth in a harsh, urban environment Precast concrete walls accommodate grade change against the building Coordination/integration of site design with architectural details Planted embankments soften building edges, and provide grade transition Responds to neighborhood parking, pedestrian, and vehicular traffic concerns Enlarged walk carries increased pedestrian volumes at special events Terrace improvements define the campus edge and enhance image Planting design buffers residential use from University facilities 3. Southeast Entry Plaza Design relates to architectural cues, frames sight lines, and directs movement Raised plant beds separate pedestrian from vehicular traffic Building and site development anchor the western terminus of Engineering Mall 4. Passage Zone (Partial Construction) Separation of pedestrian, vehicular, and bicycle traffic; bicycle parking is provided Facilitates cross-campus connections; building entries front a circulation spine Service functions are incorporated and concealed within the zone Mall-like character: site furnishings, and materials provide a unifying theme. Spaces are designed for multiple use. Plantings reinforce circulation patterns and soften the composition of spaces. 5. Athletic Practice Field Expanded playing surface; improved drainage; regrading improves ?EUR??,,????'??playability?EUR??,,????'?? Provided permanent storage facilities Embankment improvements included removal of invasive species and replacement with naturalized planting to reduce maintenance 6. Multi-Use Area (Future Construction) Outdoor space programmable for a variety of civic and University-sponsored events Use of porous pavers to maintain lawn while allowing for special event parking Landscape concept buffers view of adjacent service functions and defines circulation Provision for College-sponsored commemorative sculpture Site furnishings include banners, pedestrian-scale lighting, and seating Entry court for adjacent Department of Collegiate Athletics building Provides game day parking of broadcast and service vehicles for adjacent stadium