MEMORANDUM TO: SUBJECT: June 27, President Michael K. Young President, Texas A&M University. CBE Recommendation: Aggies United Plaza

Transcription

1 COUNCIL FOR THE BUlL T ENVIRONMENT Co-Chairs: Dr. Karan L. Watson, Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Jerry R. Strawser, Vice President for Finance and Administration June 27, 2017 MEMORANDUM TO: SUBJECT: President Michael K. Young President, Texas A&M University CBE Recommendation: Aggies United Plaza The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) reviewed a request from the Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity for landscape and hardscape improvements in the existing quad space between Cushing Library and the Academic Building to create the Aggies United Plaza. The request is for conceptual approval of the project. The request as well as the sub-council' s report are attached. The Design Review sub-council (DRsc) voted to recommend approval of the Aggies United Plaza as presented for project approval and conceptual design, with the following caveats: Members support the ideas of diversity and inclusion as the primary theme of the plaza, and recommend that the message be clearly and strongly conveyed. These ideas should be expressed in a purposeful and meaningful way, not communicating a snapshot in time but speaking to the changing face of what it means to be an Aggie in the context of inclusion. Members do not recommend use of the Aggies United Wall, but rather the incorporation of a unique piece of public artwork solicited through a competitive process in compliance with the TAMU Procedures for Public Art. Design of the plaza and its elements should maintain the openness of the space. Members expressed a concern with noise from events and activities in the plaza creating a problem for the surrounding academic classes, and request further investigation. Rather than a platform for the speaker' s corner, design should consider a holistic approach to fostering engagement and interaction within the space. A landscape architecture firm should be solicited through SSC to further develop the initial concepts and complete the plaza design. Within the plaza there is an existing marker denoting a building that was previously located on this site. The design will need to consider how to incorporate that marker. The conceptual design as presented shows trees blocking the Cushing Library loading dock. Future designs should keep this area accessible. If approved, further design details should be presented to the DRsc for approval at I 00% Schematic Design and I 00% Design Development in accordance with DRsc procedures. Jack K. W1ll1ams Admm1strat1on Bulld1ng Suite TAMU College Station. TX USA Tel Fax http"//cbe tamu edu/

2 June27, 2017 CBE Recommendation: Aggies United Plaza Page 2 The Facilities Utilization and Planning sub-council (FUPsc) supports the request for the design of and plans for the Aggies United Plaza. The Maintenance sub-council (Msc) recommends approval of the Aggie United Plaza with the following comments/concerns: Noise from events in the plaza that would impact surrounding buildings supporting teaching classrooms Exploration of other locations maybe more appropriate... closer to Military Walk Visit with EHS concerning the current area being utilized as a fire lane to existing facilities Long term maintenance of the plaza, possible endowment Visit with UES for utilities in the area. The Technical Review sub-council (TRsc) supports the proposed request for Aggies United Plaza and recommends approval, provided the following issues/concerns are addressed and funded. The working group must continue to work with EHS to ensure that fire lane access is maintained for buildings in that plaza as required by fire code. TRsc recommends that the project work with UPD to include security provisions including installation of high quality surveillance cameras, proper (re)location of the blue light emergency phone in that area and lighting levels that meet or exceed campus lighting standards. The design team needs to ensure that the project does not increase the rate of storm runoff into local creeks. The project team should coordinate with Grounds Management for landscaping and irrigation concerns. The project team should minimize the size of the turf areas to create more hardscape space for large group meetings. As the space will be utilized most regularly during the primary academic year, shade at the perimeters should suffice. The project team should make sure the lawn areas as presented have a minimum of a I 2" sand base with drainage system. The project team should consider installing a plant bed the area behind and adjacent to the reflecting water feature to provide scale to the large Harrington tower behind it. The project team should consider adding a walk way oriented north and south parallel to the academic building to accommodate the traffic that will likely occur there and prevent "cattle paths" through the lawn. The project and design team will need to follow the applicable TAMU UES Design Standardshttps:/ /uti I i ties. tam u.ed u/ design-standards/. The project and design team will need to follow the TAMU policy on digging on campus prior to any excavation - lities.tamu. edu/digging-campus/. The TAMU UES has identified numerous utility services bisecting the area including storm water, sanitary sewer, chilled water and a tunnel containing heating hot water. The project design team will need to contact UES (Rob Meyer) to ensure that survey crews are able locate all existing infrastructure prior to design. TAMU UES asks that the design team is included in the design process and has the opportunity to reviewal I modifications.

3 June 27, 2017 CBE Recommendation: Aggies United Plaza Page 3 The CBE voted to recommend, with noted caveats, the President's approval of the request for conceptual approval for the Aggies United Plaza between Cushing Library and the Academic Building. Provost and Executive Vice President Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment Date Vice President for Finance & Administration Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment Approved: --.,.~~. ~ --'i:=-=~'-=--=c_>...a.= '-=-.~ ~/lll-'-===k.,_,_y------$',6_2v/r? M 1chael K. Young President Date Attachment cc: Sub-Council Chairs, Council for the Built Environment

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5 AGGIES UNITED PLAZA EXISTING SITE PLAN SITE IMAGES OFFICE OF THE UNIVERSITY ARCHITECT EDCT HECC 1 ACAD 1 2> 3 > > 4 > CUSHING LIBR LEGEND Project Area 2 Direction of site images Existing trees BSBW BSBE Existing planting bed Existing benches PROJECT BRIEF The proposed plaza location is the existing quad space between Cushing Library and the Academic Building. The intent of the Aggies United Plaza is to create a place for celebration of diversity and inclusion on campus, to display the global footprint and impact of the Aggie community, and to provide space for cultural events. The plaza elements and goals are as follows: Speaker s corner Place of reflection and honor Space for personal and social engagement Message oriented with use of interactive technology Be physically progressive such as travel of a journey (mental and physical) Provide beautification (more landscape than hardscape) Incorporation of seating and/or an area that could be multi-functional Consideration of traffic flow through plaza Consideration of use of water as a unifying element 3 4 April 2017 Page 1

6 AGGIES UNITED PLAZA SITE DIAGRAM CONCEPT OFFICE OF THE UNIVERSITY ARCHITECT EDCT HECC The plaza will allow for pedestrian flow through the area, and gathering space in small scale around the speaker s corner. It is accessible from all corners of the quad. As a physical display, the Aggies United wall is located behind a reflecting pool for a greater impact. The plaza is complemented with an interactive display, along with a 2D or 3D design element to express the global footprint and impact of the Aggie community. This element would not be a simple map, but would be interactive with personalized messages. The messages can be tied back to the design element. One item for consideration in the design process is the incorporation of a symbol(s) to signify the Aggie Core Values or history of Texas A&M. Pedestrians are directed to the pathways by the use of seating spaces along the open lawns. The open lawns provide large gathering spaces for events and encourage social interaction as a destination place for students. Shade is an important consideration while placing the seatings and open lawns. Planting beds are placed along the building edges. As design progresses, stormwater management for the plaza should be addressed. ACAD CUSHING LIBR The long-term intent for this plaza is to be a dismount zone for bikes. Bike racks are to be provided along Cushing Library to encourage students and visitors on bikes to visit the plaza. LEGEND Bike path Cross traffic flow Access Open plaza Speaker s corner Seating spaces BSBW BSBE Reflecting pool Aggies United wall Design element for showing Aggie footprint around the world Interactive display Open lawn Planting bed Shade tree Seating Bike racks April 2017 Page 2

7 AGGIES UNITED PLAZA CONCEPT PLAN LEGEND OF PRECEDENTS OFFICE OF THE UNIVERSITY ARCHITECT EDCT HECC 1 Aggies United Wall (approx. size 28 in length and 7-8 in height) 2 6 raised platform for Speaker s Corner with signage ACAD CUSHING LIBR 3 Interactive Display 6 Standard Scarborough green benches Relief of World Map on the plaza floor, or a globe symbolizing diversity and inclusion 7 Carousel seating and movable tables and chairs 8 Native planting bed 9 Open grass 10 Bike racks BSBW BSBE Reflecting pool at ground level April 2017 Page 3

8 COUNCIL FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT DESIGN REVIEW SUB-COUNCIL MEMORANDUM TO: Dr. Jerry Strawser Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment Dr. Karan Watson Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment FROM: Ms. Lilia Gonzales, AIA University Architect and Chair, Design Review Sub-Council DATE: June 7, 2017 RE: Design Review Sub-Council (DRsc) Report Aggies United Plaza On May 17, 2017 the Design Review sub-council reviewed a request for landscape and hardscape improvements in the existing quad space between Cushing Library and the Academic Building to create the Aggies United Plaza. This request is for conceptual approval of the project. At the direction of Provost Watson in January 2017, a working group was formed to study and discuss potential designs and plans for a diversity plaza. This group consisted of Dr. Christine Stanley (chair), VP and Associate Provost for Diversity; Ms. Dee Childs, VP for Information Technology and CIO; Ms. Amy Smith, Sr. VP and Chief Marketing and Communications Office; and Ms. Lilia Gonzales, University Architect. Ms. Gonzales presented the project on behalf of this group and excused herself from the DRsc conversation and vote. Regarding the proposed site location, the 2004 Campus Master Plan called for this space to be a quad or plaza to strengthen the relationship between the Academic building and Cushing Library, to provide a gathering space, and to provide additional seating without impeding traffic flow. This proposal is in alignment with both the 2004 and 2017 CMPs. The 2017 CMP recommends the creation of more outdoor spaces and marks this area for enhancement as a quad space. The proposal maintains pedestrian malls and connectors, and required drives for service and emergency vehicles. The east/west axis remains and a diagonal path is created to allow for pedestrian traffic flow. The CMP marks this area as one of many dismount zones for bicycles, so the implementation process for the dismount areas could potentially begin with this project. The project intent is to create a place to celebrate diversity and inclusion on campus, to display the global footprint and impact of the Aggie community, and to provide space for cultural events. Proposed elements of the plaza include a speaker s corner, a place for personal and social engagement, a 2D or 3D interactive display element with personalized message content, and small and large gathering spaces for events. One key feature is a 7 tall replica of the Aggies United Wall which would be incorporated behind a reflecting pool. Benefits of the plaza include improved pedestrian traffic flow, addition of outdoor gathering spaces, and beautification of the area. 1

9 COUNCIL FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT DESIGN REVIEW SUB-COUNCIL The project is being referred to as the Aggies United Plaza, however the name is not set. It was noted that there was recently an Aggie Green Fund project to install a monarch butterfly garden within the existing beds in this plaza, which has now been relocated to an area adjacent to the Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building. DRsc members expressed concern with the use of the Aggies United Wall. It was noted that the wall elements do not contribute to maintaining the openness of the space. In addition, the wall could be viewed as a snapshot in time centered around one event. This plaza has the opportunity to incorporate a unique piece of artwork to communicate the university s milestones and how students are reinterpreting the university s core values in terms of diversity and inclusion. Regarding the expression of global impact, members encourage the project team to think about the distinctions between globalization and globalism, and use the Aggie core values to acknowledge the value of global/local identities. Recommendation DRsc members voted to recommend approval of the Aggies United Plaza as presented for project approval and conceptual design, with the following caveats: Members support the ideas of diversity and inclusion as the primary theme of the plaza, and recommend that the message be clearly and strongly conveyed. These ideas should be expressed in a purposeful and meaningful way, not communicating a snapshot in time but speaking to the changing face of what it means to be an Aggie in the context of inclusion. Members do not recommend use of the Aggies United Wall, but rather the incorporation of a unique piece of public artwork solicited through a competitive process in compliance with the TAMU Procedures for Public Art. Design of the plaza and its elements should maintain the openness of the space. Members expressed a concern with noise from events and activities in the plaza creating a problem for the surrounding academic classes, and request further investigation. Rather than a platform for the speaker s corner, design should consider a holistic approach to fostering engagement and interaction within the space. A landscape architecture firm should be solicited through SSC to further develop the initial concepts and complete the plaza design. Within the plaza there is an existing marker denoting a building that was previously located on this site. The design will need to consider how to incorporate that marker. The conceptual design as presented shows trees blocking the Cushing Library loading dock. Future designs should keep this area accessible. If approved, further design details should be presented to the DRsc for approval at 100% Schematic Design and 100% Design Development in accordance with DRsc procedures. Selected images are attached. Please contact me with any questions. cc: Christine Stanley DRsc Members Bettyann Zito 2

10 AGGIES UNITED PLAZA CBE Sub-Council Present ation 17 May 2017

11 AGENDA Proposed Project Site Location Integration with Campus Master Plans 2004 & 2017 Proposed Project - Aggies United Plaza

12 site: Proposed Project Location SITE

13 CAMPUS MASTER PLAN

14 2004 CMP: 2004 Campus Master Plan Library Quad & Diversity Plaza: Strengthen relationship between Academic & Cushing Building Provide a gathering space in lieu of a pass thru space Incorporation of small seating areas, not to impede traffic

15 2017 CMP: Open Space Network

16 2017 CMP: Quads, Plazas, Greens, etc.

17 2017 CMP: Malls, Connectors & Links

18 2017 CMP: Campus Development Historic Core

19 2017 CMP: Pedestrian Connectivity

20 2017 CMP: Bicycle Network / Dismount Zones

21 2017 CMP: Service and Emergency Vehicles Roadways Service Routes Relocated Service Bays Existing Service Roads

22 2017 CMP: Cushing Quad Re-Imagined Hand Rendering ASG

23 AGGIES UNITED PROJECT

24 project: Existing Site & Project Intent Intent: Create a place for celebrating diversity & inclusion on campus Display the global footprint & impact of Aggies Provide space for cultural events Legend

25 project: Site Images Image 1 View North Image 2 View East Image 3 View South Image 4 View West

26 project: Elements & Goals Goals: Place of reflection and honor Space for personal and social engagement Be physically progressive such as travel of a journey, mental and physical Consideration of traffic flow & water as a unifying element Aggies United Wall TAMU Elements: Speaker s corner Message oriented with use of interactive technology Provide beautification Less hardscape Incorporation of seating Multifunctional area

27 concept: Diagrammatic Sketch

28 concept: Conceptual Ideas Allow for easier pedestrian flow with a small scale gathering space near speaker s corner Connected and accessible from all corners of the quad Aggies United Wall positioned behind a reflecting pool for a greater symbolic impact Brochstein Pavilion Rice World Map Relief Stacy Levy 2D or 3D design element showcasing global footprint of Aggies Globe or embossed world map Interactive display more than a map Personalized messages Aggies United Wall TAMU

29 concept: Conceptual Ideas Pedestrian flow directed by seating along open lawns Lawns provide large gathering space Encourage social interaction Shade is important consideration around seating areas Storm water management needs to be considered Quad will become a dismount zone Bike racks located north of Cushing to encourage visitation by bike riders Brochstein Pavilion Rice World Map Relief Stacy Levy Aggies United Wall TAMU

30 concept: Plan Legend 1. Aggies United Wall 2. 6 raised platform Speaker s Corner 3. Interactive Display 4. Global display of Aggies 5. Reflecting Pool 6. Standard Scarborough Bench 7. Carousel & Movable seating 8. Native Planting Bed 9. Lawn 10. Bike Racks

31 Thanks & Gig em! 17 May 2017

32 Council for the Built Environment Facilities Utilization and Planning Sub-Council June 5, 2017 MEMORANDUM To: Dr. Karan Watson Provost & Executive Vice President Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment Dr. Jerry Strawser Executive Vice President for Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment From: Subject: Dr. J. Martin Scholtz Executive Associate Vice President for Research Chair, CBE-Facilities Utilization and Planning Sub-Council Aggies United Plaza SCOPE The FUPsc has considered the request by the Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity, Christine Stanley, to consider plans for the design of a diversity plaza, which will be known as Aggies United Plaza. As noted in the attached memorandum, the plan is for landscape and hardscape improvements in the existing quad space between Cushing Library and the Academic Building to create the Aggies United Plaza. The area would be a place for celebration of diversity and inclusion on campus. The area would contain a speaker s corner, and interactive display and gathering places for events. There will also be a reflecting pool with a replica of the Aggies United wall. Funding for the project has yet to be secured. RECOMMENDATION The Council for the Built Environment s (CBE) Facilities Utilization and Planning subcouncil (FUPsc) recommends that the CBE support the request for the design of and plans for the Aggies United Plaza. We are pleased to offer this recommendation and welcome further inquiries related to this analysis. Attachments CC: CBE-FUPsc members

33 DIVISION OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRA110N Facilities and Dining Administration May 5, 2017 MEMORANDUM To: Dr. Karan Watson Co- Chair, Council for the Built Environment Dr. Jerry Strawser Co- Chair, Council for the Built Environment Subject: Aggies United Plaza The Maintenance Sub-Council has reviewed the request for the Aggies United Plaza to be located on the existing quad space between the Cushing Library and the Academic Building. The concept of a plaza to celebrate diversity and inclusion on the T AMU campus is a project that Msc supports. There are several concerns/comments discussed that need to be addressed to have a successful plaza for many years. Therefore the following recommendation is made. RECOMMENDATION The Msc recommends approval ofthe Aggie United Plaza with the following comments/concerns: Noise from events in the plaza that would impact sunounding buildings supp01ting teaching classrooms Exploration of other locations maybe more appropriate... closer to Military Walk Visit with EHS concerning the cunent area being utilized as a fire lane to existing facilities Long term maintenance of the plaza, possible endowment Visit with UES for utilities in the area. f[ tvil~ Chairman, CBE Maintenance Sub Council CC: CBE-Msc members

34 DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs MEMORANDUM TO: Dr. Karan Watson Co~chair, Council on the Built Environment FROM: Dr. Jerry Strawser Co chair, Council on the Built Environment (TomR~ Chair, CBE Technical Review Sub council DATE: May 22,2017 SUBJECT: CBE TRsc Recommendation: Request for Aggies United Plaza On May 15, 2017, Lilia Gonzales, University Architect presented to the CBE's Technical Review Sub council on the proposed request for landscape and hardscape improvements in the existing quad space between Cushing Library and the Academic Building to create the Aggies United Plaza. The intent of the Aggies United Plaza is to create a place of celebration of diversity and inclusion on campus; to display the global footprint and impact students, faculty and staff; and to provide space for cultural events. Recommendation The Technical Review Sub council supports the proposed request for Aggies United Plaza and recommends approval, provided the following issues/concerns are addressed and funded. EH&S: The working group must continue to work with EHS to ensure that fire lane access is maintained for buildings in that plaza as required by fire code. We recommend that the project work with UPD to include security provisions including installation of high quality surveillance cameras, proper (re)location of the blue light emergency phone in that area and lighting levels that meet or exceed campus lighting standards. 117 Koldus Student Services Building 1256 TAMU College Station, TX Tel Fax htt p://studentaffa irs. tamu.ed u

35 Facility Services: The design team needs to ensure that the project does not increase the rate of storm runoff Into local creeks. The project team should coordinate with Grounds Management for landscaping and irrigation concerns. The project team should minimize the size of the turf areas to create more hardscape space for large group meetings. As the space will be utilized most regularly during the primary academic year, shade at the perimeters should suffice. The project team should make sure the lawn areas as presented have a minimum of a 12" sand base with drainage system. The project team should consider installing a plant bed the area behind and adjacent to the reflecting water feature to provide scale to the large Harrington tower behind it. The project team should consider adding a walk way oriented north and south parallel to the academic building to accommodate the traffic that will likely occur there and prevent "cattle paths" through the lawn. Utilities and Energy Services: TAMU UES looks forward to working closely with the project and design team to ensure that all campus requirements are met and that the project is successful. The project and design team will need to follow the applicable TAMU UES Design Standardshttps://utilities.tamu.edu/design-standards/. The project and design team will need to follow the TAMU policy on digging on campus- prior to any excavation- The TAMU UES has identified numerous utility services bisecting the area including storm water, sanitary sewer, chilled water and a tunnel containing heating hot water. The project design team will need to contact UES (Rob Meyer) to ensure that survey crews are able locate all existing infrastructure prior to design. TAMU UES asks that the design team is included in the design process and has the opportunity to review all modifications.

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