The initial scope of work for this project involved planning and design of site improvements for future development for the 450 acre campus, as well as, acquisition of adjacent properties with value to the University and recommendations for future satellite campus programs. Service also included assisting the colleges program for future facilities in excess of 1,000,000 square feet.
Update of the land created 22 new parcels for development and 7 sites for major building additions. Proposed future facilities include additional housing, classroom buildings and service structures, administrative facilities and 20 new parking garages accommodating 12,000 automobiles. With the new plan, the central mall system is expanded to accommodate future growth and a campus population increase to 35,000 students. Emergency vehicle access and service are routed along the pedestrian mall system throughout campus.
A new landscape design has been developed for the campus to reduce maintenance costs and emphasize the use of natural resources. The central mall sectors are to become oasis areas with lush landscaping. As the site extends to the perimeters, plant materials transition to xeriscaping and native desert trees, shrubs and flora. Perimeter planting is small areas of grass at corners and intersections supplemented with mesquite groves, sandstone boulders and crushed sandstone ground cover.
In 1998, RAFI was asked to return to the project to perform an updated ADA wayfinding study and provide the conceptual design for five future buildings on campus to enhance the master plan.