Work Progressing on Master Landscaping Plan for UB

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The development of a master landscaping plan for the University at Buffalo's two campuses is moving forward, with the consultant now preparing detailed designs for two high-profile areas on each campus.

These designs will build on the initial preliminary design concepts developed by the consultant -- the local firm of Wendel Engineering and the New York City-based HOK Planning Group, working with the university-wide Master Landscape Plan Advisory Committee -- and incorporate input gathered during public work sessions held in spring 2000 on both campuses, said Michael V. Wright, senior architect in Facilities Planning and Design and project manager for the landscaping project.

Work on the project had been held up pending approval of the consultant's contract by SUNY central administration, Wright said, adding that the approval finally came last fall.

As part of Phase 3 of the project, the consultant will produce landscape designs of the Sherman parking lot area on the South (Main Street) Campus, making Coal Road -- located off Bailey Avenue between Sherman Road and Winspear Avenue -- the primary entrance and refining related spaces. Designs also will be completed of the courtyard between Abbott and Squire halls, also on the South Campus, including the area between Foster and Crosby halls.

On the North (Amherst) Campus, the consultant will focus on Founder's Plaza -- the design theme could be expanded down the promenade to the Student Union -- as well as on the corridor between Lockwood Library and Clemens Hall.

During this third phase of the project, the consultant also will produce "design guidelines" that will address selection, placement and aesthetics of various site amenities, such as planting design, pedestrian lighting, pedestrian-area paving and site furniture, Wright said. The guidelines will provide "direction" to planners, designers and programmers involved with future development on the two campuses, he added.

He noted that RWDI, a firm from Guelph, Ontario, recently completed a wind and snow study of the North Campus that will aid in determining where trees and other greenery should be planted.

Wright said he expects the Phase 3 designs to be completed in two to four months.

The fourth phase of the project will involve plans for management and maintenance of existing and proposed campus landscapes.

The key goal of the landscaping plan, Wright said, is to create an environment that will help with the recruitment of students. "We want parents of potential students, when they bring their kids to campus for a visit, to have a good impression of the university," he said.

The landscape project dovetails with the recently completed installation of new signage on both campuses, he added.

Wright said the larger projects within the overall landscaping plan will be completed in phases over five to 10 years, with some of the Phase 3 work expected to be completed within one to five years. Although no budget for the work has been set yet, estimates will follow after the designs are completed, he said, noting that the work likely will be financed with a combination of capital money, private funds and class gifts.