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 February 1, 2006 MEMORANDUM To: Campus Planning Committee (CPC) From: Christine Taylor Thompson, Planning Associate University Planning Subject: Record of the January 17, 2006 CPC Meeting Attending: Carole Daly (Chair), Dietrich Belitz, Frances Dyke, Michael Fifield, Patty Hachten, Stan Jones, Douglas Kennett, Rich Linton, Gregg Lobisser, Andrea Matthews, Colin McArthur, Dennis Munroe, Andrzej Proskurowski, Chris Ramey, Rob Thallon Guests: Tim Evans (SRG Partnership), Larry Gilbert (CMGS), Jim Hutchison (User Group chair), Charlene Lindsay (Facilities Services), Janet Lobue (Facilities Services), Jon Schleuning (SRG Partnership), Fred Tepfer (UPO), Bruce Wilson (Molecular Biology) Staff: Christine Thompson (University Planning) Agenda: ONAMI at the University of Oregon Project – Schematic Design 1. ONAMI at the University of Oregon Project – Schematic Design Background: Staff summarized the project’s key Campus Plan policies and other campus design issues identified by committee members at the July 12, 2005 and December 2, 2005 CPC meetings as described in the meeting mailing. Fred Tepfer, University Planning Office staff and project planner, said the team has been working since summer to complete the schematic design. He said it has been helpful to have CPC members on the user group as it discusses and resolves design issues. Jim Hutchinson, project user group chair, said the CPC’s past comments were very helpful as they refined the design. He reminded the committee that the project is very complex due to a confined building site, a complex program that requires a vibration-free environment, and a desire to create a collaborative environment. Tim Evans, SRG Partnership, reviewed the schematic design as described in the meeting mailing. He said the design addresses important site issues and Campus Planning Committee January 17, 2006 Meeting Page 2 features that have been reviewed at prior CPC meetings. Larry Gilbert, CMGS, described the landscape plan as described in the meeting mailing. The existing sundial will be reinstalled in a new location on axis. Discussion: In response to a member’s question, Tim said he has not determined whether the skylight will have clear or opaque glass. Jon Schleuning, SRG Partnership, said it is not possible to extend the skylight along the north-south pathway due to mechanical equipment needs in the corridor ceiling below. Tim confirmed that the Science Walk would retain the same function and general route, passing through the new entry and Huestis Hall the same way it does today. Tim and Jon said the total site grade change equals 2-1/2 feet. The intent is to provide a level main pathway around the center oval. This results in a retaining wall within the oval. Cobbled pavers will be used to deter skateboarders. In response to a member’s question, Tim said the concrete roof below the landscaping slopes all water to the edges of the site and into a sub-landscape drainage system. In response to a member’s question, Tim said the planters are required to provide adequate soil depth for trees. Tim and Jon said disabled access would be provided via the existing Huestis Hall elevator. The existing exterior shallow steps at the southeast and northeast Huestis entrances would be removed. Jon said service access would be via the existing Streisinger loading dock. Jim added that day-to-day delivery needs would be minimal. Occasionally new equipment would be delivered via the main entrance lift system using a forklift in a manner similar to the existing Willamette Hall lift system. A member suggested locating the sundial in a location that better meets solar access requirements. Larry said additional large trees are not possible due to restricted growth area. However, smaller tree species will work. A member said every effort should be made to protect (during construction) landscape features that will remain intact. Members questioned the value of dividing the center oval into terraced spaces. They expressed concern that it would limit the potential use of the space for gatherings (e.g., graduation) and recreation. Jon said the retaining wall and small pathways support the area’s intended use as a quiet back. The design intent is to connect the aboveground elements to the below ground elements. The retaining wall follows the primary circulation path below, and the skylight marks the hub of activity below. Campus Planning Committee January 17, 2006 Meeting Page 3 Members discussed whether the center oval should it be a “quiet back” or a more active, versatile space. A member supported some of the proposed design elements but said it should meet the functional requirements as well. Another member supported the unique design elements that distinguish it from other open spaces. Members also expressed concern about the north-south narrow pathway that leads directly to the new main entrance but stops midway at the skylight. It is quite likely that a cow path will be established across the green following the most direct route to the new main entrance. A member noted the danger of creating a lawn area that drops off to a lower lawn level without warning. Jon said the bench and skylight configuration is intended to block those who try to cut through the area as well as limit fast traffic (e.g., bikes). In response to a member’s question, Larry said the required grade change could be accommodated gradually across the entire lawn instead of using a retaining wall. The slope would not be noticeable. A member noted the importance of the 13th Avenue plaza area and suggested revisions to better define its unique role as an “eddy” along 13th Avenue as well as an entrance into the larger Science Green. He suggested using the grove idea noted at an earlier CPC meeting. Members suggested design options that would better orient seating towards 13th Avenue. Another member said seating should have a “back.” In response to a member’s question, Larry said trees couldn’t be planted along the east side of the outer oval walk adjacent to Huestis due to limited root space. Action: The committee agreed, with fifteen in favor and two abstentions, that the schematic design for the ONAMI at the University of Oregon Project is consistent with the Campus Plan and recommended to the president that it be approved subject to the following conditions: 1. Redesign the open space’s center oval to better address the intended use, circulation patterns, connections to the new entrance from 13th Avenue, connections between the skylight and the new entrance, and views from 13th Avenue. This should include a careful review of use options to establish the desired intended use. Respond to CPC comments and bring the revised design back to the Design Review Subcommittee. 2. Redesign the 13th Avenue plaza area to better define its unique identity as an “eddy” along 13th Avenue as well as an entrance into the larger Science Green. Respond to CPC comments and bring the revised design back to the Design Review Subcommittee. Please contact this office if you have questions. cc. Paul Bloch, Computer and Information Science (Deschutes Building Manager) Jane Brubaker, Facilities Services Tim Evans, SRG Partnership Larry Gilbert, CMGS Jim Hutchison, Chemistry (User Group chair) Campus Planning Committee January 17, 2006 Meeting Page 4 Dave Johnson, Chemistry Roger Kerrigan, Facilities Services Peter Keyes, Architecture (University Senate) Tim King, Facilities Services Charlene Lindsay, Facilities Services Mike Marusich, Neuroscience (Streisinger Building Manager) Monte Matthews, Veterinary Services (Streisinger Building Manager) Ellen McCumsey, Neuroscience (Huestis Building Manager) Steve Nystrom, Eugene Planning Beth Prescott, Neuroscience (Streisinger Building Manager) Bill Roberts, Neuroscience (Huestis Building Manager) Jon Schleuning, SRG Partnership George Sprague, Biology (Streisinger Building Manager) Eva Sylvester, ODE Fred Tepfer, University Planning Bill Trevarrow, Neuroscience (Huestis Building Manager) Bruce Wilson, Molecular Biology (Streisinger Building Manager)