THE UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO HAMILTON CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT PLAN PART 1 : CONCEPT PLAN

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Gloria Wilkinson
5 years ago
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1 February 2008 page d e s i g n e l e m e n t s

2 5.1 Landscape / Open Space Landscape Character The unique natural environmental qualities of the campus as described below should be protected and enhanced when new developments are being considered. 1. Open Fields The open fi elds provide expansive views in and out of the campus. 2. Arboretum The enclosure created by the large trees form a contrast to the open fi elds and is signifi cant for its cultural and botanical relevance. 3. Lake Areas The lakes and their associated areas offer high scenic views and provide a signifi cant identity to the campus. 4. Roadside Planting The tree planting along the campus boundary provide a buffer to the public roads from the campus grounds. The planting should take into account the views from and to the campus. 5. Hill Slopes The planting on the Hillcrest Road ridge and the hill slopes include kauri, kahikatea that represent Waikato identity. 6. Plazas / Social Spaces and Forecourts / Courtyards The campus social spaces are external spaces adjoining or enclosed by buildings and should be designed to relate to the building entry, its form and function. Social spaces may be predominantly hardscape. 1: A3 N 7. Boundary Planting The boundary planting acts as a buffer to the adjacent properties. Where it is adjacent to open fi elds, the views through and access are to be maintained February 2008 page 29

3 Identity The different functional aspects of the campus can be grouped into three core areas as illustrated on the plan and described below. 1. Landscape These special character areas reinforce and defi ne the campus landscape identity. They symbolise the natural, cultural and recreational aspects of the campus. Large events, including sporting and community events are located and supported within the space of the open fi elds and lake areas. 2. Urban Core The urban core caters primarily to academic and associated retail and commercial activities. The landscape environment in most instances relate to building settings such as social hubs and courtyards, and streetscape along Hillcrest Avenue. 3. Residential Core These are the living spaces of the campus. Where they front the public streets, appropriate street address, building alignment and streetscape will need to be considered. Where they are adjacent to the main entry and form part of the main pedestrian spine, building alignment shall integrate covered pedestrian-ways, bus-stops and pedestrian routes. Landscaped courts and amenities shall be incorporated in any new developments. 4. New Landscape Centre As most of the special landscape character areas are on the west campus, a new landscape centre is proposed for the east campus to balance the distribution of social and recreational life of the campus. This new landscape centre borrows from the landscape elements and imagery established in the main campus. 1: A3 N February 2008 page 30

4 Legacy of the designed landscape 1 Open Fields 2 Arboretum 3 Road Side Planting 4 Fernery & Hill Slope Planting 5 Urban Core 6 Lake Side A diverse range of landscape characterise the existing campus; from open space, built environment, historical plant collections to memorial planting. 7 Boundary Planting 8 Memorial Planting 8 Memorial Planting 9 Existing Marae February 2008 page 31

Legacy of the designed landscape - Iconic Trees The following species are identifi ed as University iconic trees based on qualities that represent Waikato identity.

5 Legacy of the designed landscape - Iconic Trees The following species are identifi ed as University iconic trees based on qualities that represent Waikato identity. They embody the Waikato campus qualities in their scale and longevity, and have proven to do well in the Waikato basin region. Some additional evergreen and deciduous species are also considered to provide evergreen canopies all year round and vibrant autumn colours. Kahikatea Kahikatea (adult form) Kahikatea (juvenile form) Totara Kauri Titoki Gingko Copper Beach Ulmus Totara Titoki 1: A3 N Gingko Kauri Nothofagus February 2008 page 32

6 Legacy of the designed landscape - Significant Trees The following trees are of signifi cant botanical and cultural relevance to the campus. In groups or individual specimen, these trees are to be protected from development impact and incorporated into new planting works. The quality of much of this vegetation provides a basis for the selection and distribution of new tree planting through out the campus. This plan illustrates the locations of the majority of the species. The University owns a Tree Management Plan prepared by the Facilities Management Division, which shall be adhered to for all area action planning and detail project design. 1. Wonder Tree 23. Local coastal plants 2. Bead Tree 24. Creek Edge planting 3. Liquidamber 25. Maples 4. Totara (Podocarpus) 26. Waikato Basin plants 5. Kahikatea 27. Chestnuts 6. Kauri 28. Camphor Tree 7. Tanekaha 29. Chinese Cypress 8. Magnolia 30. Chinese Wingnut 9. Oaks 31. Rimu 10. Kowhai 32. Tulip Tree 11. Redwood 33. Kashmir Cypress 12. Ginkgo biloba 34. Dawn Redwood 13. Elms 35. Black Walnut 14. Eucalypts 36. Cedar 15. Swamp Cypress 37. Banksia 16. Ferns 38. Manuka 17. Prunus (Cherry Tree) 39. Rewarewa 18. Lime 40. Norfolk Island Pine 19. Albilzia 41. Hornbeam 20. Titoki 42. Picea 21. Beech Tree 43. Paulownia 1: A3 N 22. Nikau February 2008 page 33

7 5.2 Hubs / Precincts The over-riding spatial focus of the University Campus is its vast green playing fi eld open space. Views within the campus are critical in establishing and maintaining a clear sense of orientation for people fi nding their way around, especially when walking. The Concept Plan combines the major view corridors and axes as related to the green space and establishes a series of hubs or outdoor social gathering spaces. Combined with the analysis of pedestrian circulation patterns and the distances that can be traversed in a 5 minute walk from the hubs, 8 locations are identifi ed as hubs alongside major pedestrian spines. These are the foci of future development and intensifi cation. In addition to 3 existing (shown in green, red & dark blue); 5 new hubs are proposed to distribute the social focus evenly across the campus. The distribution and spacing of these hubs along the main pedestrian spines will be effective because there is good overlap between them and most locations along the spines are within relatively easy reach of at least one hub. At the space where the built edge meets the green open space, a natural amphitheatre form exists. The adjoining green area is identifi ed as major events area, able to be serviced from six of the hubs. A ceremonial hub overlooking the green open space is considered necessary to accommodate formal, large gatherings of the campus community. This hub should have special Maori signifi cance. 1: A3 N February 2008 page 34

A grand central plaza at the intersection of two major pedestrian spines is also suggested.

This will complete the partially formed north-south pedestrian spine and open up views to the

Re-design of universal access and landscape improvements will complete this space.

buildings and along the edges of the existing east-west and north-south pedestrian spines.

characterised by active frontages, Possible hub at Performing Arts Centre street improvements,

8 A grand central plaza at the intersection of two major pedestrian spines is also suggested. The enhancements to the plaza include removal of the existing Bennett bookshop. This will complete the partially formed north-south pedestrian spine and open up views to the central green space. Re-design of universal access and landscape improvements will complete this space. This analysis also underpins the logic behind concentrating as much as possible of future new buildings and along the edges of the existing east-west and north-south pedestrian spines. In addition to the hubs, a linear main street redevelopment is recommended for Hillcrest Road characterised by active frontages, Possible hub at Performing Arts Centre street improvements, enclosing building form and urban tree planting. View of Events area View of Campus Central Plaza area View of hub at shops area View of hub area amidst management school Hubs - as existing February 2008 page 35

Integrated Seating Integrate seats and steps into the level changes between buildings and access path where possible.

9 Outdoor Spaces and Places Plazas and courts are important social spaces for the campus and the following are the main design considerations. University of Cincinatti, USA Building Address Defi ne outdoor social spaces with active building edges. Integrated Seating Integrate seats and steps into the level changes between buildings and access path where possible. Paving Materials Provide durable, high quality pavers to meet function and standards. Campus /Library Plaza Plaza and Courtyard trees Plant trees which provide shade for the summer months, colour in autumn and sun in winter. Refer to structure planting for guidelines. Brindabella Business Park, Canberra, Australia Main outdoor spaces on campus Vertical Circulation Rationalise existing ramps. Provide a combination of lift, stairs or escalators to access the change in levels due to the steep topograhpy. Courts Provide landscaped courtyards within / between buildings to enhance the outdoor amenities and the wider campus landscape. Campus Courts Pedestrian spine Locate the social and outdoor spaces either adjacent to the main pedestrian spines or cross-linkages. Hubs - indicative examples of desirable outdoor spaces elsewhere February 2008 page 36

5.3 Pedestrian / Bicycle / Universal Access The main pedestrian spine runs from entrance 2a at Knighton Road passes through the main campus, crosses over Hillcrest Road, links up east campus and

10 5.3 Pedestrian / Bicycle / Universal Access The main pedestrian spine runs from entrance 2a at Knighton Road passes through the main campus, crosses over Hillcrest Road, links up east campus and continues through to Silverdale Road at entrance 10. It is the continuous connecting element which links the separate landscape centres, the different precincts, the hubs and peripheral carparks via the cross-linkages. The Concept Plan identifi es a possible new pedestrian entrance off Silverdale Road, along the avenue of signifi cant trees Tanekaha. Covered walkways are suggested on key locations along main pedestrian spines to provide shelter from wind, sun and rain. The Plan suggests universal access with a combination of lifts, escalators and stairs /ramps for the steep level changes, where an extensive system of ramps and stairs are required, especially at two locations: adjacent to the library and at the east campus as indicated on the Plan. The Plan suggests a hierarchy of pathways to suit appropriate uses. Guidelines for widths of paths are as follows: 5m pedestrian spine from entrance 2a through to current bus stop area wider pedestrian spine where possible (typically 8-10m) between existing bus stop and Hillcrest Road 3.5m shared pedestrian path / service road adjacent to the open fi elds 3.0m wide paved pedestrian pathway with integral covered way on key locations of the main pedestrian spines 1.2m wide pedestrian pathway for minor paths The pedestrian cross linkages shown on the plan are conceptual only, their actual routes subject to specifi c design. 1: A3 N February 2008 page 37

Linkages - Pedestrian Spine and Structure Tree Planting 2 6 4 1 Main Pedestrian Spine with Avenue of Evergreen Trees Typical Main Pedestrian

year and to differentiate from the cross linkages which are of deciduous species. 2 5 2 1. Main Pedestrian Spine is the campus main connector.

The pedestrian feed into the main spine is via cross linkages. 3.

11 Linkages - Pedestrian Spine and Structure Tree Planting Main Pedestrian Spine with Avenue of Evergreen Trees Typical Main Pedestrian Spine University of California 3 1 Avenue planting to reinforce the linear spine and with evergreen trees to provide canopy throughout the year and to differentiate from the cross linkages which are of deciduous species Main Pedestrian Spine is the campus main connector. 2. Peripheral carparks will encourage pedestrian movement and discourage car transit within campus. The pedestrian feed into the main spine is via cross linkages. 3. Ceremonial Space should maintain physical and visual link to the open space as large gatherings / special events will require access to the vast open space. Cross Linkages with Deciduous Trees for Seasonal Colour Deciduous trees with seasonal colours to highlight the cross linkages connecting the north campus to the south. Typical Main Pedestrian Spine Linkages - indicative examples of desirable pedestrian links elsewhere University of New South Wales, Sydney 4. Hillcrest Road links the east campus to the main campus. The existing crossing which is along the main spine is to be strengthened in conjunction with traffi c calming strategies. 5. Cross Linkages conceptual only 6. Shared Pedestrian and Service Vehicle Access proposed in particular to service the central events space as required. February 2008 page 38

Covered Ways Sculptural Freestanding Covered way

provide protection from rain and sun and add to the

Possible locations are identifi ed along the main

2a up to the campus plaza area Ornamental Planted

cantilevered Southbank Bridge, Brisbane along the

of S-block up to C-block Covered walkway attached to

Glass Covered way Queensland University of Technology,

12 Covered Ways Sculptural Freestanding Covered way Sculptural Freestanding Covered way Covered ways provide protection from rain and sun and add to the character of the pedestrian routes. Possible locations are identifi ed along the main pedestrian spines as follows: at the start of entrance 2a up to the campus plaza area Ornamental Planted Covered way Southbank, Brisbane Covered way over bridge cantilevered Southbank Bridge, Brisbane along the pedestrian spine on either side of Hillcrest Road south of S-block up to C-block Covered walkway attached to building University of New South Wales Freestanding Glass Covered way Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane Indicative examples of different covered ways elsewhere are illustrated for consideration. February 2008 page 39

Universal Access and Vertical Circulation 1. Main Campus Pedestrian Spine 2. Cross Linkages 3.

External Escalator / Lift Functional Access Ramp with handrails Alternative Ramp integrated

combination of the following elements: External Glass lift Barcelona, Spain Ramps: to be kept

Crossings: in conjunction with traffi c calming strategies to be provided along the pedestrian

Steps with artwork External Lift / Escalator: to be used where viable especially over signifi

13 Universal Access and Vertical Circulation 1. Main Campus Pedestrian Spine 2. Cross Linkages 3. Plazas and Courts 4. External Escalator / Lift Functional Access Ramp with handrails Alternative Ramp integrated with steps Access to be provided to new buildings and campus facilities by a combination of the following elements: External Glass lift Barcelona, Spain Ramps: to be kept simple and functional in line with the urban form of the University. Crossings: in conjunction with traffi c calming strategies to be provided along the pedestrian spines. Stairs: with comfortable wide tread to riser ratio of 3:1 where possible. Steps with artwork External Lift / Escalator: to be used where viable especially over signifi cant level changes; adjacent to the library and at the east campus as shown on plan. External Escalator Barcelona, Spain Indicative examples of access alternatives elsewhere for considerations February 2008 page 40

5.4 Transport / Parking The existing campus vehicular circulation is organized to prevent traffic passing through the campus except along Hillcrest Road.

14 5.4 Transport / Parking The existing campus vehicular circulation is organized to prevent traffic passing through the campus except along Hillcrest Road. Vehicle access-ways to the campus are located on Knighton Road, Silverdale Road and both sides of Hillcrest Road but there is no connectivity. The access routes are relatively unattractive and lack a sense of arrival. The Concept Plan suggests significant access, parking and landscape improvements to support an orderly, memorable campus as follows: redesign the access road from entrance 2a as a shared pedestrian and vehicular route for visitors, short-stay and passenger transport to the campus. This would enable vehicles to travel straight down the potentially very attractive treelined street to the beginning of the purely pedestrian section of the east-west circulation spine, defi ned by active building frontages, without negotiating the main carpark area. by preventing access to the main long-stay car park from the above avenue, the majority of vehicles would still continue to enter the University through entrance 1, and any disruption to student residences would be kept to an acceptable level. encourage public access and connectivity by considering vehicles (taxis, buses & bicycles) to pass through the campus, at suitably controlled low speeds, in a route which would link entrance 2a, via C-Block, with Hillcrest Road at entrance 9 (as indicated in solid and broken blue line) if and where appropriate. providing limited service / emergency access to all services and facilities. providing limited short-term parking and disabled parking to all facilities. 1: A N providing a new vehicle entrance directly off Knighton Road for the Academy of Performing Arts with a drop-off area in front of a future westward extension of the facility to improve public accessibility. February 2008 page 41

Car Parking Bus access & stop Carparking is currently aggregated in four main areas along the campus periphery: Off Knighton Road via entrance 1 Off Knighton

peripheral parking is a positive strategy for pedestrian circulation but consumes a lot of valuable campus landscape.

) to accommodate any future demand for additional car parking.

The yellow hopper bus service enters the campus through entrance 1 to access the main University stop beside the roundabout at the rear of the student shops.

The Campus Plan proposes a through bus route with stops near the key destination points, which would increase public exposure of campus facilities.

The suggested bus through-route, with pick up points in the vicinity of the bus stops, would also conveniently accommodate taxi services.

15 Car Parking Bus access & stop Carparking is currently aggregated in four main areas along the campus periphery: Off Knighton Road via entrance 1 Off Knighton Road via entrance 2b Off Hillcrest Road via entrance 7 & Silverdale Road via entrance 10 Off Silverdale Road via entrance 3a entrance 2b The peripheral parking is a positive strategy for pedestrian circulation but consumes a lot of valuable campus landscape. The Concept Plan calls for multi-storey carparks (Where shown on the existing surface level car parks. This will be subject to capital works budget constraints.) to accommodate any future demand for additional car parking. Passenger Transport Entrance 2a entrance 7 entrance 1 Buses currently service the University but do not pass through the campus. The yellow hopper bus service enters the campus through entrance 1 to access the main University stop beside the roundabout at the rear of the student shops. A general service passes along Hillcrest Road and the new Orbiter bus service passes bothways along Knighton Road with a stop near entrance 2a. The Campus Plan proposes a through bus route with stops near the key destination points, which would increase public exposure of campus facilities. This proposal is subject to future consideration and consultation. Taxis have diffi culty accessing the campus. The suggested bus through-route, with pick up points in the vicinity of the bus stops, would also conveniently accommodate taxi services. Servicing Indicative view of improvements to bus access from entrance 2a The Concept Plan provides the opportunity to improve all service access routes, as predominantly pedestrian realms, across which service vehicles may have access. Also, the location of new buildings along the edges of pedestrian spines will screen all service areas at the backs of buildings from the main pedestrian circulation spines. February 2008 page 42

5.5 Buildings / Open Space Location / Form The Campus Plan identifi es numerous opportunities to locate new facilities / buildings within existing built-up areas in a manner which better integrates

16 5.5 Buildings / Open Space Location / Form The Campus Plan identifi es numerous opportunities to locate new facilities / buildings within existing built-up areas in a manner which better integrates campus elements and uses all development projects as opportunities to improve the quality of the public realm of the campus. The Concept Plan places emphasis on in-fi ll development and redevelopment within existing built areas and less emphasis on development of the campus green. The new buildings and additions to existing buildings are located to create a compact, walkable environment focused around hubs, major pedestrian routes and Hillcrest Road. Another key defi ning aspect for the location of new buildings are the radial axes related to the centre of the green open space (events area). The buildings also activate the major pedestrian spines and provide a sense of enclosure to the outdoor spaces. The new and existing buildings together defi ne 8 hubs and a series of courtyards and smaller greens spaces. In the long term future, when the adjoining rural land to the north and east of the campus becomes urbanised, it will be appropriate to consider additional development along Ruakura and Silverdale Roads. Precincts The hubs and the buildings that defi ne them are envisaged as walkable precincts, with a mix of uses and activities providing access to a range of services and facilities. The precincts in turn increase the opportunity for safe walking and cycling, and support passenger transport by bringing people closer to the possible new bus route. 1: A3 N February 2008 page 43

example indicative of possible development

pedestrian route within a building example

17 example indicative of possible development of hub example indicative of possible development of active pedestrian frontages Concept Plan showing proposed hubs in yellow example indicative of integration of pedestrian route within a building example indicative of possible sleeving of development & activities in front of existing blank walls. Indicative examples of integration of buildings and open space elsewhere February 2008 page 44

18 Concept Plan showing location of library building Indicative views of proposed additions to the existing library and associated open spaces Images: Warren & Mahoney/ Maunsell architects February 2008 page 45

5.6 Wayfinding / Art Works There are a number of existing entrances, of which the main ones on Hillcrest Road and Knighton Road require enhancements.

Waikato Campus Identity Iconic planting refl ecting the Waikato identity to be planted at the campus intersections and main entrances to reinforce the campus identity.

Signage & Wayfinding Orientation and information signs may be installed together with Markers at the entrances.

19 5.6 Wayfinding / Art Works There are a number of existing entrances, of which the main ones on Hillcrest Road and Knighton Road require enhancements. The entrance shown at Silverdale Road on the adjoining map is a new one subject to development of the eastern campus. Waikato Campus Identity Iconic planting refl ecting the Waikato identity to be planted at the campus intersections and main entrances to reinforce the campus identity. Markers with the name of the campus and /or entrances may also be installed to signal the entry to the campus environment. Signage & Wayfinding Orientation and information signs may be installed together with Markers at the entrances. Road users experience along boundaries In order to enhance the visual and spatial experience along the perimeters of the University, appropriate boundary buffer planting for public street, open fi elds or private residences will have to be considered. 1: A3 N February 2008 page page 46 46

20 Existing Entranceways 3a 2b 3b 1 3b a 8 5 NEW a 4 8 2b 5 9 3a February 2008 page 47

Approach and Entrances 1 1 1 2 2 2 Indicative planting at campus intersections / approach 1 1 1 1.

The approach will be marked by trees of iconic nature selected from the Waikato basin region enhancing the campus identity.

21 Approach and Entrances Indicative planting at campus intersections / approach Campus Approach The public roads and key intersections along the campus boundary signal entry into the campus environment. The approach will be marked by trees of iconic nature selected from the Waikato basin region enhancing the campus identity. A large vertical marker may be installed at the intersection of Ruakura Road and the campus boundary for displaying campus events. 2. Main Entrance Marker Three main entrances to the campus are identifi ed and are located on Knighton Road, Hillcrest Road and Silverdale Road along the main pedestrian spine. Marker at campus entrance At each main entrance, a marker showing the name or a number shall be installed. Orientation map and information sign may also be installed in conjunction with the marker to provide wayfi nding in and around the campus. Consultation Draft: 12 September 2006 page 48

Boundary Planting Road Side Planting along Knighton Road Road

between the campus grounds and the adjacent activities - public

The following design considerations are: Maintain views into and

Provide avenue planting for all boundary streets; plant on both

residential interface Maintain views to college playing fi elds

22 Boundary Planting Road Side Planting along Knighton Road Road Side Planting Boundary planting helps defi ne the boundary between the campus grounds and the adjacent activities - public streets, open fi elds or private houses. The following design considerations are: Maintain views into and out of the site as existing along Knighton and Silverdale Roads Provide avenue planting for all boundary streets; plant on both sides wherever possible Plant low level hedge planting along residential interface Maintain views to college playing fi elds from entrance 1 car park area College Neighbour interface Residential Neighbour interface February 2008 page 49

23 Signage and Wayfinding 1 Entry Marker Sign 2 Directional & Information Board Establish a signage strategy integrated with the entrances design guidelines to assist in wayfi nding in and around the campus. 4 Gateway Markers / Flag Poles 3 Combined Marker / Directional Sign Signs - indicative examples only February 2008 page 50

24 Artworks Bike Rack Lighting Incorporate sculptural qualities into functional facilities and establish a programme to curate and procure artworks. Artworks - indicative examples only Artworks - as existing February 2008 page 51

PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY IN THIS CHAPTER PUBLIC REALM

PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY IN THIS CHAPTER PUBLIC REALM PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY This section provides design guidelines for improvements in the public right-of-way. The public right-of-way refers to streets, sidewalks, non-vehicular thoroughfares, parks and greenways