 The Campus Guidelines range from specific rules and regulations to be strictly followed, to more generic guidelines that suggest a direction or approach to support the primary elements of the Master Plan and achieve the Planning Goals. Above all, the intention needs to be understood to allow for the most creative integration of new buildings. In this way, new projects can respond to the dynamically changing educational environment and, at the same time, preserve a sense of campus which endures. The Guidelines work with the drawings to describe the primary elements and to realize, in as many ways as possible, the Planning Goals for the University. As a general approach, the location and scale of buildings, the size, material and detailing of the paths, the continuity of expression of site elements, roadways, service docks; all should contribute to the creation and reinforcement of the four primary elements of the Master Plan: The Pedestrian Core, the Forum, the Cross Axial Paths and the Campus Neighborhoods. The major paths cross at the Forum; the most active, memorable and alive place on campus. The Master Plan specifies development zones that are designed to create a clarity of path and a hierarchy of spaces that lead to the Forum or define themselves in relationship to it. Primary entrances should connect strongly to the other buildings in their "neighborhood" and to the primary and secondary campus paths. In this way, the buildings create a clear hierarchy of campus spaces which are crucial to the image and understandability of the overall campus. The flow of students and faculty directed along the major and minor pathways will continually reinforce the sense of belonging to an overall campus community - the notion that wherever you are, you are part of a larger whole. The guidelines should be used by the University to direct future development so that it may serve the overall campus and not the individual project. They must be flexible to accommodate design creativity and changing campus needs.  There are four, inter-related Primary Elements which together provide a clear concept for organizing the campus: the Pedestrian Core, the Forum, the Cross Axial Paths and the Campus Neighborhoods. This concept addresses many of the most problematic aspects of the current campus, especially a lack of focus and image. Development of the campus should in every way attempt to reinforce these four elements. In this way, the increased density will establish a clear hierarchy of place, path and building and it is this hierarchy that creates a friendly, active, understandable and functional campus. The Pedestrian Core In the effort to create a more humane environment, the core of the campus will be transformed for people rather than for cars. Within the boundaries of Route 195, North Eagleville Road, Hillside Road and Bolton Road, all vehicular traffic will be reduced over time and controlled in ways that serve the movement of people. At the same time, all buildings will be accessible for deliveries, service, emergency vehicles and the disabled.The Forum The creation of a clear center to be the "heart" of the University; a crossroads of activity; the most memorable and most important space on the campus, reflecting the life and spirit of the campus.The Cross Axial Paths - North/South Cross Axial paths The identification and reinforcement of Babbidge Walk, the primary north/south axis and Fairfield Way, the primary East/West axis which cross at the Forum. This strong cross axis with a center allows the development of an integrated tertiary path system. The plan becomes more understandable even as the plan becomes more complex, because the primary paths and center are clearly defined. Most importantly, gathering students, staff and faculty on these primary paths reinforces the sense of community and allows for casual interaction which is an important part of the educational experience.The Campus Neighborhoods The identification and/or reinforcement of existing distinct campus zones related to the primary and secondary paths and, in turn, to the Forum. The primary objective is to strengthen the identity of each "neighborhood" by clarifying their particular characteristics. It is an opportunity to build upon the campus' existing positive elements and remove or renovate aspects that need to contribute more effectively to the whole. |