Network of Malls
Open spaces between buildings can be viewed as buildings without a roof. Such a view of the campus focuses our attention on the necessity to use all space on campus, not only enclosed structures. Every inch of campus is made precious by the fact that thousand of students walk on it or by it many times, and to save their time and to make the walking a rewarding and educational experience, it must be designed with utmost consideration so the campus is the best we can obtain for available funds.
The network of Malls as shown on the attached diagram reflects the actual walking patterns. The dominant east-west circulation is on the International and Frenger Street Malls. They are connected and intersected by numerous secondary north-south malls. By excluding bicycle traffic from crossing there, the two main Malls will be safe for walking.
The Malls also connect individual colleges and their Plazas. The difference in function between the Main Malls and the Malls internal to colleges will be expressed in differences in size, color and texture, facilitating orientation. Complete development of Mall networks is a long-range project, and will be realized as funds will become available.
The individuality of design of these corridors of the university, as we could perceive the Malls to be, is important for several reasons:
Identity - Each college will have individual character to reflect its uniqueness and to increase a sense of belonging.
Stimulation - Walking on the Malls can, and should be, an aesthetic experience. Variety of building designs, of vegetation, Mall texture, sizes and volumes will contribute to an interesting perception as pedestrians move along the Malls.
Orientation - By differences in color and surfaces, each part of the Mall system should tell users immediately where they are.
The Malls need to provide shade for pedestrians. In spring, summer and fall, the sun is too intense for unshaded walks. Concrete surfaces heat up during the day and act as radiators of heat. We need to develop shadow networks, a complete pattern of trees covering the walks, so any class space can be reached from any other without unnecessary exposure to the sun. At the same time, we need to keep in mind that dark areas increase the danger to pedestrians at night, and we must provide a good lighting system across the campus.