Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona

Completion: 2004
Size: 738 acres
Cost: N/A

The goal of this plan was to create a vision for the campus that provides a true living and learning environment in which to advance its academic mission. Needed academic, research and student life facilities are sited as infill projects on currently underutilized land throughout campus. Small footprint one-level buildings and surface parking lots in central campus are replaced with new buildings that create a density appropriate for a major university. These new building footprints create the edges to a well-defined open space network that will inspire outdoor teaching and recreation and helps tie the institution to its beautiful natural setting. An improved pedestrian spine connects south campus to north campus and continues to downtown Flagstaff.

Emphasis has been placed on creating distinct yet porous campus edges and well-defined campus gateways. The symbolic gateway in historic north campus is open to the community, providing a civic green and views from campus to the San Francisco Peaks. Other gateways provide thresholds that announce one is entering the University realm. Natural edges to the east and south are reinforced and brought into useful campus life.

New residential communities are designed for central campus. These residences will include mixed-use student life facilities at the ground level to activate the open spaces around them. Unit types would be designed to meet the demands of today's students. Creating a true residential campus, these facilities will spark greater student interaction and intellectual stimulation.

A new transit route envisioned as a dedicated spine will improve service from north to south campus. Students will have more flexibility in class scheduling with the ability to move around campus more efficiently. Better transit will decrease the need for having a car and engender a more pedestrian-friendly campus.