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Southern Methodist University Master Plan
Project Description: Purpose of the Master Plan The Centennial Master Plan for the campus of Southern Methodist University was undertaken to provide a vision for change as the University approached it's 100L" birthday. The growth of the campus over the past eighty years has been guided by a mix of plans and design ideas - some strong and visionary and some reactive to the immediate needs of growth and changes in educational programs. The Centennial Master Plan was intended to provide a stable yet flexible vision for growth for the next twenty years, and to provide a foundation for future decision making on the campus into the next century. Planning issues The planning team faced many difficult issues. Among the most pressing were: the impact of campus expansion on the surrounding residential neighborhood; a shortage of, and poor allocation of parking; the need for additional buildings and recreational facilities; and the degradation of the significant campus open space framework which had been the hallmark of SMU. Master Plan The Master Plan proposed several initiatives for preservation and change. Among these were; The preservation and enhancement of the campus "Sacred Spaces" - Bishop Boulevard and the Dedman College Quadrangle form the central spine of the campus and were identified as two of the significant campus "Sacred Spaces" which must be preserved. The creation, of new "Sacred Spaces" the Master Plan identifies new spaces on campus which should be created which will serve to expand the character and quality of the campus. These spaces include the enhancement of SM U Boulevard and the creation of strategic academic quads and rnalls. The preservation and extension of the architectural character of the campus the style of the architecture at SMU is classic "Collegiate Georgian". Most of the buildings on campus adhere to this style in some manner or form and it is this consistency which helps give the campus a sense of continuity and community. The creation of a comprehensive parking plan the Master Plan called for the creation of a series of perimeter parking garages to replace and augment the many surface lots which had overtaken the internal open spaces of the campus. The creation of new campus malls and quads - the Master Plan proposes the creation of a new north south pedestrian mall to connect the stadium and dorm areas with the Student Center, as well as the reclamation of parking area to form new academic quadrangles for the Library, the Engineering School and the Fondren Science Center, In many cases, these open spaces replaced former parking lots. The location of new buildings - the Master Plan proposes the location for key campus facilities such as the Meadows Museum of Art, the Fondren Science Center, The new Engineering School and the proposed Student Services Center Neighborhood Issues - the Master Plan recognizes the sensitive synergy between the campus and the surrounding residential neighborhoods and proposes fixed limits for campus expansion and development. Significance of the Project The Centennial Master Plan for SMU was unanimously adopted by the campus administration and Board of Trustees in 1997. Since its adoption, it has served as the plan for the design and development of four new major campus buildings (the Meadows Museum, the Fondren Science Center, the Ford Memorial Stadium and the Student Services Center), as well as the renovation of the Library complex and Perkins Chapel. The Master Plan has also served as one of the cornerstones of a $350 million capital improvement campaign. Role of the Landscape Architect The landscape architect worked in concert with the architect and other team members throughout the analysis, planning and implementation phases of the project. The Landscape Architect proposed and defined all of the major campus spatial planning issues, and designed solutions for each. Executive Summary As the university moves toward its centennial year, SMU has engaged a team of architects. This plan examines possible uses for existing building sites, and recommends the acquisition of Establish a plan for facilities growth Maintain Collegiate Georgian architectural integrity Define campus edges and points of entry Reinforce the pedestrian character of the campus Enhance the area and quality of landscaping Improve way-finding on campus To best satisfy the variety of initiatives and build upon the existing character of the campus, the 1. A new East Quadrangle will include new and renovated engineering and computer facilities, along with Student Services building, an International Center and a parking structure. 2. A new Science Quadrangle will be formed by Heroy Hall, a renovated Fondren Science and a new science building, a parking structure and a future building as yet unprogrammed. 3. A new Library Quadrangle will include a new Library Link building and future building. 4. A new Meadows Museum and associated parking structure will be constructed on the site of Cockrell field. 5. New athletic facilities to be constructed will include a new All-Sports training facility and new north and east stands for Ownby Stadium field. Existing roads will be reconfigured to create a contiguous pedestrian athletic and recreational precinct. 6. Parking needs will be served by a series of eight new small parking garages located at the campus perimeter, placing parking as close as possible to the demand while maintaining the pedestrian core of the campus. These actions, along with the completion of individual projects for the various departments, will satisfy SMU program and space needs into the centennial year and beyond.
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