Storrs, CT
Located in the heart of the flagship campus, two new social science buildings are located at the convergence of the Homer Babbidge Library and Fairfield Way, the most active pedestrian corridor that weaves through the campus. The site design is pragmatic and progressive at bringing a heightened awareness of the built environment to the student population. An extensive green roof can be seen from third floor classrooms, open cell pavers are used along major thoroughfares, and stormwater is directed into a series of bioswales lined with fieldstone gabions. Terraces surrounded by planting at the building entries provide flexible gathering with distinct microclimates. The University’s agricultural context is explored through the palette of grasses and woody perennials that are found in the surrounding pastures and woodlands. Site elements were conceived of through study and understanding of local materials, plant communities and regional landscape patterns.
Recognition
Society for College and University Planning | Merit Award for Design 2016
Boston Society of Landscape Architects | Merit Award for Design 2013
Collaborators
Leers Weinzapfel Architects
Photography
Charles Mayer