University at Buffalo - The State University of New York

Phase II: South Campus

Greening the Campus

Landscape Principles

1. Design for outdoor comfort by strategic plantings on the existing quadrangle grid angles
2. Utilize stormwater as an asset, especially as gateways to iconic buildings
3. Share the campus with the community through programmed open space
4. Protect and enhance critical existing and proposed open spaces

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  Gateways

  • Surface water tends to run towards Main Street. An exposed stormwater infrastructure can be used as part of a new gateway vocabulary.
  • Stormwater ponds coincide with pedestrian entrances creating gateways that celebrate natural resources.
  • Water at entries should also be a common theme at North Campus, helping to create an identity that ties the three campuses together.

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  Stormwater

  • The campus can reduce its urban runoff and pollution contribution to the Great Lakes by creating onsite stormwater management systems.
  • Stormwater from rooftops can be channeled into decorative water features within open space and along paths. These water features can enhance the campus landscape and support plant growth.
  • Using campus natural topography, water features can also integrated with wind breaks to drain the trapped snow as it melts. A landscape based on the opportunities of wind, snow and rain can be dynamic, unique, and beautiful.

Open Space

There are critical areas of open space on South Campus that can remain open and provide organization for future planning:

1. Large event space close to mass transit.
2. The checkerboard rhythm of open and built space that makes up the campus core.
3. Areas set aside for water infiltration and storage.
4. Recreation space could connect the campus with the neighborhood.

Outdoor Comfort: Wind & Sun

Sun shading diagrams help determine prime open spaces for comfortable gathering.

The core of South Campus has an existing street grid 36 degrees off latitude which is optimal for wind attenuation and taking advantage of solar orientation.

Plant Massing

Plant massing systems that serve multiple functions extend from this grid. More than a simple wind break, these linear interventions could protect walkways, direct and filter snow melt and runoff, and help to define the existing quad structure of the campus.