2.3 (2)  Urban Design Element Analysis

a)                  An analysis of the evolution of the development pattern of University buildings and open spaces.

1.      There has been significant development on campus since 1995.  The Communications Building was built in the north section of campus, near the Lake Clare housing development.  The Health and Public Affairs Building was added to the east of the Student Center.  Furthermore, the bookstore was added near the library, fulfilling a need for a student gathering space and contributing to the open space fabric in that area.   Additionally, parking garages have been and are continuing to be built around the campus.  Most of this new development has been spreading concentrically from the original campus development.

2.      As program needs continue to demand more academic and support space on campus, development should respect the evolution around the circular pattern of the campus, while maintaining a relatively dense pattern.  Particular attention should be paid to the creation of attractive open spaces, reinforced by careful site-planning.  Of important concern is the preservation and enhancement of axial pedestrian links to and from the center of campus, which work to create long views and facilitate wayfinding on campus. 

3.      Please refer to the 1995 analysis for further information.

b)                 An identification of and assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of alternative spatial configurations by which future development on the campus may be organized.  This analysis shall include consideration of methods to improve energy efficiency and alternatives for coordinating the pattern of buildings and spaces along the University/community boundary (graphic and companion narrative).

1.      Buildings should be organized in a way which complement and frame the open spaces around them.  The careful creation of open spaces provides the framework for memorable sacred places on campus, and provides a context for future program and the pedestrian experience on campus.  The importance of these spaces cannot be underestimated, and indeed become the catalyst around which future buildings and pathways respond to and are mindful of.

2.      An opportunity for this type of development is along the northeast axial, currently serving as temporary parking.  Buildings along its edge would reinforce the important axial relation to the center that it has, as well as provide definition for quad-like open spaces along the middle.  An iconic building would serve as the northeastern terminus, at once being a gateway to the campus from the roadway and Arena and as a memorable building from within the campus.  A parking garage could be placed just to the southeast of this building, providing support to both the new academic area and the arena.  This axial quad could be continued across the student union and mirrored as the front door to the campus where the Student Support Center visitor center is currently being shown.

3.      Spatial configurations mentioned above are important for place making and establishing pedestrian importance on a college campus.  Axial relationships to the center of campus should be enforced and in fact programmed in future growth framework- while maintaining the circular paths and roadways important to the history of the University of Central Florida.

c)                  An identification and assessment of alternative future activity location and linkage concepts for the campus and the context area (graphic and companion narrative).

1.      The anticipated opening of the Academic Villages housing complex and new recreation Center south of the Student Resource Center (SRC) will create created a new activity center.  Links to the center of campus from this area should be reinforced, particularly through the SRC.  Furthermore, in addition to the proposed northeast academic spine, the area at the north end of Central Florida Boulevard provides an excellent opportunity for future development.  Integration of a Student Support Center campus visitor center and academic buildings around an open green space would activate that area of campus and present a collegiate entranceway to the college.

2.      Please refer to the 1995 analysis for additional information.