UNK Landscape Master Plan Booklet

Landscape Design Guidelines

a. Select a scale for the space and design elements that is appropriate to the pro- posed use and desired experience. For instance, the existing seating area at the corner of 19th Avenue and Route 30 appears to be a small and intimate setting but is located in a busy public place. To ensure success, intimate settings require quiet and a measure of visual privacy. Since the sitting area at this corner has neither of these qualities, the design is not successful.

c. Follow the design guidelines for pathways; lawns, meadows, and planting; ir- rigation; site furnishings; and lighting.

A. Site Design (page 15) B. Edges and Gateways

(pages 16-17)

C. Campus Spaces

(pages 17-18)

D. Public Art E. Pathways

(pages 18-19)

(pages 19-20) F. Lawns, Meadows, and Planting

(pages 20-22)

G. Landscape Maintenance (page 22) H. Sustainability and Storm Water Management

(page 22 - 24)

I. Accessibility (pages 25) J. Signs and Wayfinding

(page 25 - 26)

K. Site Furnishings

(page 26 - 27)

L. Public Safety and Lighting

(page 27)

M. Irrigation

(pages 28 - 32)

Functional Pathway Intersection Design

Problematic Pathway Intersection Design

Guidelines for site improvements have been prepared to provide clear direction to designers of future projects and for their use in better understanding the vision, framework, and details of the Landscape Master Plan. Future planners, architects, engineers, and landscape architects will be required to consult these guidelines and utilize them in their designs. They provide standards for design elements that will ensure continuity in the character and image of the UNK landscape while promoting sustainable maintenance. All new campus site design projects are required to follow the Landscape Design Guidelines as part of the review and approval process outlined herein. These Guidelines are not specifications, they are intended to guide the preparation of project specifications providing project designers with the critical materials, approach, and design intent that will fulfill the vision of this plan. A. Site Design The objective for site design on the UNK campus is to develop animated living and activity spaces that support the learning environment. This plan presents a flexible framework allowing for a variety of spaces that will provide for a wide range of uses, from intimate relaxation to the assembly of large groups for Univer- sity ceremonies. Significant changes are proposed to the campus landscape with the intent of creating a contiguous green campus core that displays a consistent landscape identity and embraces a sustainable approach to design and mainte- nance. To achieve this end, every space within each project should be designed as part of its “place” on campus, whether it is the “Northeast Village”, ”West Park” or another distinct location. The design intent should be to complement the character and uses that are most appropriate to that place.

d. Grading design for each space should smoothly flow and fit within the larger context of the surrounding landscape. Proposed grading should be civic in scale, small isolated berms and depressions should be avoided. Grading and drainage should follow the guidelines for storm water management.

Existing Northeast Corner - 19th Ave. and Route 30

b. Integrate the design of each space and landscape element, into the larger surroundings. Unless the element is truly a work of art, avoid the creation of an elaborate freestanding statement. The information kiosk on Ninth Avenue is an example of too much emphasis on a single element. A well-made sign, designed as part of the University’s sign design standards, would serve the same purpose and easily fit into the context of the surrounding landscape.

Existing Center of 26th Street Mall

e. A select UNK committee, or UNK Design Review Board will review all site de- signs for compliance with this plan. Reviews will be scheduled at the completion of the Schematic Design and Design Development phases. The review commit- tee or board should consist of the Campus Architect and select members of UNK administration and staff that have experience in campus site design. In addition, a Landscape Architect staff member or consultant should also be a member of the committee.

Because Landscape Architects are trained to deal with all of the specific require- ments of campus site design, it is recommended that a Landscape Architect have a primary role in all projects. Site designers for campus improvements should embrace the following principles:

Information Kiosk on 9th Ave.

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Chroma Design Inc.

University of Nebraska - Kearney Campus Landscape Master Plan

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