PROJECT: University of North Carolina

LOCATION: Charlotte, USA

DATE: 1994

We developed a master plan to expand the existing campus from 15,000 students to accommodate 25,000 and a lot more besides.

The master plan builds upon the existing grid of the campus, containing the growth within a dense urban core on the high ground on one side of the valley. This allows the preservation of large areas of existing natural landscape. The extensive sports pitches and running tracks are composed as a large scale Italian garden terracing down the valley. Toby Creek is dammed to provide a lake for canoeing and an extensive wetland.

Priority is given to pedestrians and cyclists by making enjoyable routes through linked quadrangles and along two major new axes. New landmark public buildings are placed on the edge of the campus to encourage links with the neighbouring community. Wherever possible, buildings are mixed use and highly insulated with narrow sections to encourage natural ventilation.