UNIVERSITY PLANNING OFFICE 1276 Univers ity of O regon, E ugene OR 97403-1 276 T (54 1) 346-5 562 F (54 1) 346-6 197 www.uoregon. edu/~upl an An equal-opportunity, affirmative-action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act August 7, 2006 MEMORANDUM To: Campus Planning Committee (CPC) From: Christine Taylor Thompson, Planning Associate University Planning Subject: Record of the July 25, 2006 CPC Meeting Attending: Carole Daly (Chair), Darin Dehle, Douglas Kennett, Gregg Lobisser, Dennis Munroe, Athan Papailiou, Steve Pickett, Chris Ramey, Rob Thallon, Danielle Zeghbib Guests: Robert Curry (TVA Architects), Tim King (Facilities Services), Charlene Lindsay (Facilities Services), Steve McBride (Athletics), Michael Reilly (Athletics) Staff: Christine Thompson (University Planning) Agenda: Hayward Field Lighting – Schematic Design Hayward East Grandstand Banners – Schematic Design 1. Hayward Field Lighting – Schematic Design Background: Staff reviewed the applicable Campus Plan policies and patterns as described in the meeting mailing. Steve McBride, Athletics, reviewed the proposed exterior lighting plan for Hayward Field as described in the meeting mailing. The purpose of the project is to accommodate lighting needs for the regular track practice schedule (which currently must be cut short in the winter months) as well as for track meets. The proposed lighting system would provide four levels of light ranging from general practice needs to special event TV filming needs. Steve said increasing energy efficiency has been a priority for the project. The proposed metal halide lights will be 40 percent more efficient than previously used systems. In addition, the tall poles and newly available light design are able to focus more accurately on the intended location - the track and infield – thereby reducing spill light and glare by about 50 percent when compared to the most recent installation at the PARS fields. The pole itself, versus the upper light array, will be in the primary field of vision, thus diminishing the visual impact of the pole’s height. Campus Planning Committee July 25, 2006 Meeting Page 2 Steve said siting the proposed light poles was difficult because buildings are sited very close to the track causing shadows and light blockage. Roof-mounted locations are proposed to the greatest degree possible. Of greatest concern was siting poles in Powell Plaza. Two poles must be located in the plaza to provide adequate light. Robert Curry, TVA Architects, explained the methodology for selecting the pole locations in Powell Plaza. Options were restricted by the need to prevent glare in the runners’ eyes, to avoid light blockage caused by the East Grandstand, and to space the two poles far enough away from each other to prevent overlap. The best placement within these parameters is on the street edge -- it preserves the open plaza and views into the plaza. Discussion: A member expressed concern about the proposed poles in Powell Plaza. She acknowledged that the poles might be required in the plaza, but asked if it was possible to mitigate the negative impacts by making the poles a part of the plaza -- more humanized and pedestrian in scale (for example, by designing an integrated bench or installing hanging baskets, etc.). Steve said it would be difficult to link the poles into the plaza design; perhaps it is most effective to keep them unadorned so they fade into the background. Another member said mitigation options were considered during the design process. Creating a bench around the pole was considered but determined to be problematic because it would block circulation and create an asymmetrical plaza design. He said the existing newly planted tree will provide the best buffer as it grows. A member said the poles are too big to ignore -- pedestrians will notice them -- and the plaza is not entirely symmetrical as designed. Members discussed various ideas to better tie the poles into the design including landscape features, planters, a cluster of receptacles, and paint color. A member supported the energy conservation efforts adding that the project presented a good opportunity to incorporate solar power into the design as supported by the UO Sustainable Development Plan. Although initial costs would be higher, life cycle costs would make it worthwhile. Steve said the use of solar power was beyond the scope and project budget unless a donor was interested in funding such an effort. Another member said other energy conservation measures in a project-specific situation are usually more effective than photovoltaics because photovoltaics are expensive and have a limited life span. Another member explained that the UO is very interested in adding to the photovoltaic system on campus, and the most effective way to do so is to link directly into the general electrical grid system, rather than to a specific electrical need. He said the UO is currently researching ways to install a large photovoltaic system on a number of roofs across campus; however, Hayward field does not provide an acceptable roof location. A member expressed concern about the height of the proposed poles (110’ tall), almost matching the height of the existing cell tower (120’ tall). Although pedestrians in close proximity may not notice the upper light arrays because they are so far above the typical line of sight, this is not so for adjacent neighbors. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to broaden siting options by balancing track and field needs with broader campus and neighborhood needs. Ideally, the lights would be located within the track boundaries. Robert said all interior track options were considered. Steve and guests explained that the first requirement Campus Planning Committee July 25, 2006 Meeting Page 3 submitted to the lighting designer was to find a place that did not affect Powell Plaza. It became clear that this was not an option. The proposed locations, although within the plaza, are already a compromise to the ideal lighting scenario. If the lights are moved out of the plaza the lighting system will not function. Members discussed possible options that would allow for the use of temporary lights or to adjust the height of the lights for special events. Steve and Robert explained that adjusting lighting heights would result in substantial glare problems. Temporary lights were tried during the last televised event, but substantial neighbor complaints made it clear that it was too difficult to properly adjust temporary fixtures. A member suggested researching a cantilevered light array that would allow the pole to be moved outside the plaza while the light array stayed in place. A member said the poles would be painted a sky grey color, the typical paint color for large poles on campus because it best blends into the typical winter sky. A member noted that perhaps the lower portion could be painted a different color to better tie in with the plaza design. Action: The committee agreed, with seven in favor, two opposed, and one abstention, that the schematic design for the Hayward Field Lighting Project is consistent with the Campus Plan and recommended to the president that it be approved subject to the following conditions: 1. Consider design alternatives to better tie the proposed pole located in Powell Plaza to the plaza’s pedestrian scale and overall design (for example, through the use of landscaping, benches, or color). University Planning Office and Facilities Services staff will review proposed design alternatives to ensure this condition is met. 2. Determine whether it is possible to move the pole proposed for Powell Plaza to a more appropriate location outside of the plaza (beyond the west corner wall) by using a cantilevered light array design. 2. Hayward East Grandstand Banners – Schematic Design Background: Staff reviewed the applicable Campus Plan policies and patterns as described in the meeting mailing. Michael Reilly, Athletics, reviewed the proposed banners for the Hayward East Grandstand as described in the meeting mailing. The purpose of the banners is to enhance the exciting and festive event atmosphere for the athletes and fans. The banners would be installed for the track season (beginning mid-February) to announce the schedule, theme, and/or special events). Discussion: A member supported the banner proposal but suggested moving them to the proposed light poles. Another member said installing flat banners on curved poles would be difficult and unappealing. A secure and well-designed fastening system (painted to match the building) is preferred. Members contemplated which side of Hayward grandstand is best suited for banners. In response to a member’s questions about sustainability, Michael said the Campus Planning Committee July 25, 2006 Meeting Page 4 banners will be reusable. The lower portion of the banner containing dates will be removable. He also agreed to explore alternate non-vinyl banner material. A member noted that PVC material will trap moisture possibly leading to damage to the wooden building. A member pointed out that the proposed location along Agate Street is very visible to the public, which is different from other previously approved banner locations; therefore, it is important to carefully consider whether the proposed banners convey an appropriate campus image to the public. He added that it is ideal to address these issues in advance of upcoming Olympic Trial sign proposals to ensure continuity. A member said Powell Plaza already includes graphic panels that may be used to promote special events. A member supported the proposed banners because they will enhance bleak side walls and add to a sense of community by conveying activity. Others agreed, but said the proposed linear banner shape does not enhance the grandstand’s qualities. They discussed ways to better relate the banners’ proportions to Hayward grandstand’s side-wall shape. Members suggested a wider, shorter banner or perhaps two narrow banners side-by-side. Michael said the proposed narrow banner shape better suits graphic options, but perhaps other alternatives exist. Action: The committee unanimously agreed that the schematic design and location for the Hayward East Grandstand Banners are consistent with the Campus Plan and recommended to the president that it be approved subject to the following conditions: 1. Explore the use of alternate non-PVC banner material. 2. Consider altering the banners’ proportions to more appropriately relate to Hayward Grandstand’s side-wall shape (for example, make the banners wider and shorter or perhaps install two narrow banners side-by-side). 3. Ensure that the banners are well attached with a permanent fastening system painted to match the building. Please contact this office if you have questions. cc. John Barofsky, Fairmount Neighbors Bob Beals, Athletics Robert Curry, TVA Architects Tom Hicks, DPS Jim Horstrup, Law School (Building Manager) Tim King, Facilities Services Charlene Lindsay, Facilities Services Steve McBride, Athletics Steve Nystrom, Eugene Planning Bob Peters, South University Neighbors Mike Reilly, Athletics Nancy Wright, Housing