In support of the Student Success Corridor and in an effort to inform the siting and design direction for the projects, as well as to link into the campus structure and environment, a Precinct Plan was developed during the summer of 2007. The general area involved was bounded by the Memorial College Center to the north, Science Center to the east, Sports Center to the south and University Hall to the west. As with all campus planning, the entire campus had to be considered as any part impacts the whole. Therefore campus vehicular and pedestrian circulation patterns, infrastructure, parking and landscaping were considered across the campus as well as within the “precinct.”
The key projects that were to be sited included the new 300-bed Freshman Housing complex, a new Student Union, cafeteria and bookstore.
A campus loop road is proposed that would follow, as much as practical, existing paving and roadbeds. This loop is anticipated to follow along the southern edge of the campus housing, to the drive immediately south of the Sports Center, connecting through the acute corner of the property to the old Plant Operations /Central Receiving Building and then connect to the west parking and drive system exiting onto Abercorn at the new intersection being designed currently. This loop would then connect with the existing drives in front of Burnett Hall and on to the west toward Armstrong Center.
An initial phase of this loop is intended to be constructed as part of the Student Success Corridor project. This will create an interim connector between Campus Drive, continue along the edge of the present parking lot in front of the Sports Center, and then north to Library Drive and to the west of the ARC, utilizing the existing paving.
The Precinct Plan envisions a new Student Life Quadrangle as its centerpiece. This will complement the existing Academic Quad while providing a distinct and active environment, as compared to the contemplative Academic Quad. The new “campus center” will be at the actual core of the current campus circulation pattern- the intersection of Library and Science Drives. Influenced by Savannah’s historic and indelible image of urban design- the square- this new quad will activate the center of campus with walkways, seating, landscaping and significant new water features. The central feature, a major fountain with adjacent reflecting pools will serve a variety of important campus functions beyond their aesthetic appeal. The fountain will be a recognizable landmark for all who visit and work on campus - students, faculty, staff, visitors, and alumni. It will provide visual, auditory, and sensory relief to the otherwise hardscape of campus. It will attract people to sit, talk, read and enjoy the environment. Additionally, the water will be an active part of the HVAC system of the new Student Union/ Cafeteria/ Bookstore and Library complex; the water will serve as the cooling ponds for the air conditioning central system instead of the standard cooling towers that are not pleasant to view or to hear. With recirculating water and cooling the buildings, the water is also a significant “green” and environmentally sensitive feature with an energy payback.
Also envisioned is the creation of a number of small streams, meandering along the pathways - in and out of the arboretum areas already beautifully enhancing the campus. These will reinforce and expand the water connection across the campus. Walkways will follow the streams and the water can be recirculated so as to create a renewable and enjoyable experience.
Additionally, the fountain square and campus center will become the first phase of removing the pedestrian and vehicular conflicts from the center of campus. Library and Science Drives will become cul-de-sacs, with traffic stopping well short of the center of the quad. Over time these cul-de-sacs will be pushed back until all cars will be removed from the campus core, stopping at the major parking areas around the periphery of campus.
Significantly, water already plays an important, if subliminal, part for AASU. Savannah is known everywhere as a coastal city. For those living beyond the city, AASU is “on the coast.” The Atlantic Ocean is clearly connected mentally and geographically to the university. Therefore water is a mental connective for the university to capitalize on in its recruitment and retention strategies, in its imagery and in its environment. As a small but key role in this visual connection, the plan proposes to bring “The Beach” to AASU! Between the Sports Center and the ARC affords the perfect spot to create “The Beach” on campus. Adjacent to the existing indoor pool, we will develop a smaller outdoor recreation pool, surrounded by an acre of sandy beach. The area will provide for active and passive recreation - swimming, beach volleyball, sunbathing, and relaxation.
All the Student Success buildings will face and orient toward the Student Life Quad. The Freshman Housing will create both a southern border for the main quad and a sub-quad for its residents. Future phases of housing will “bookend” this design to the east adjacent to the ARC. Importantly, the leadership of the student athletes for the university must be emphasized and reinforced. The Sports Center is the identifiable image of these student athletes. Therefore, it was important that the new buildings not block the connection of the Sports Center to the campus center. The plan develops a strong pedestrian mall linking the Sports Center to the fountain and Quad through pedestrian paths, landscaping and the streams. The diagonal geometry already created by the Sports Center’s siting has been emphasized to create a visually strong link to the more orthogonal grid of the majority of the campus.
The Student Union is an expansion of the existing Memorial College Center, thereby continuing and reinforcing its role as the center of student life. The expansion, integrating with the new cafeteria and bookstore, will push south to form the northeast corner of the Fountain Square. The cafeteria and bookstore will provide strong destinations for students and others to come by and into the complex. Outdoor dining and seating is planned to focus toward the Fountain Square while activating the length of the Union/Bookstore/Food Center. The new Library Addition will directly link into the Center, providing an extension and integration of living and learning environments, day and night.
This new campus center and Student Life Quad will enliven the campus, create a multitude of pleasant, varied environments and offer a true residential campus experience to all who come. This Student Success Corridor with its key buildings and the Student Life Quad will transform the AASU campus into a vibrant and viable 24/7 community.
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