Much of the 1,400-acre UMass Amherst campus was constructed in the 1960s and 1970s. As a result, many of the buildings and campus open spaces were in need of revitalization. The passage of several State bond bills provided funds for major capital expenditures.
UMass Amherst retained Kleinfelder under a “House Doctor” contract to develop solutions for three main goals: achieving connectivity between an eclectic mix of campus and open space environments; enhancing the landscape by clearly identifying paths for campus deliveries; and providing a safer pedestrian experience on campus.
After researching the physical history of the campus and circulation patterns for pedestrians, cars, and delivery vehicles, as well as University parking procedures, Kleinfelder provided analytical insights in a Campus Landscape Improvement Plan and a Southwest Residential Area Study. These studies recommended creating vehicle-free zones on campus, consolidating or camouflaging service docks, and creating an identifiable pedestrian armature through the core campus. Furthermore, a “Memorial Walk” was suggested to provide an organized system for class memorials and other donor opportunities.
Kleinfelder’s studies provided ways to integrate new building projects into the landscape, while preserving open spaces, improving accessibility to service nodes, and increasing pedestrian safety. A sustainable pedestrian concourse connecting the Southwest Residences to the core campus now draws the University closer together.
Location:
Amherst, Massachusetts
Owner:
University of Massachusetts (UMASS), Amherst
