Area of Focus

Outlined in red in the image on the left is the Phase One area of focus for Peter Walker and Partners. This includes the entrance along Campbell Road, University Parkway, and goes as far north as the main mall area between the Student Union and McDermott Library.

The schema at right offers a view of the finished Campus Enhancement Project, including a hedgerow along Campbell Road; an entrance to the university that will be three times larger than the current one; a grove of trees, perhaps Magnolias, that will line University Parkway; and a plaza and waterway that will start just beyond a circular drive between the Activities Building and the School of Management building and run roughly 900 feet up campus to about McDermott Library and the Student Center.

Sun and Water

The sun is very strong in Dallas, and Peter Walker noted that it can produce great shadows. The morning and afternoon sun create a unique play of shadows on the ground and the buildings.

PWP proposed using jets or pop-up devices in the waterway/reflecting pool to create circles that would spread out, collide and eventually dissipate. It's said that geometry in nature could be used to produce an image that stays in the minds of all who visit.

Magnolia Trees

At right are magnolia trees at the Nasher Sculpture Center, a former client of Peter Walker and Partners, when the center opened.

Peter Walker noted that these trees have now doubled in size. Magnolia trees can grow up to 25 feet in 3 years, are drought-resistant and produce flowers in springtime.

Arcade

Inspired by European plazas, which offer open areas featuring walkways, trees and shrubs, and places to sit, Peter Walker proposes an extension to the arcade in front of the Student Union.

Even in hot weather, one will be able to sit in the shade.

Arbor

The courtyard in between the Student Union and McDermott Library will have an arbor above, which will create interesting shadows on the ground. The arbor will be suspended 25 feet above the plaza.

Room for Expansion

The two images below show the proposed 900-foot alley and demonstrate (right) how new buildings can be added to the campus' core. Retail areas, including the Bookstore and Student Services building, will be located here.

Four new buildings could fit into this area. Note that Drive A (the main road through campus, currently north of the Activities Center and School of Management) will be moved south to intersect with the circular drive.

The Crossroad of the Campus

The allee and waterway are shown here in greater detail. A circular pool of water will mark the crossroad of campus. A jet of water distinguishes the center of the waterways, and the center of the pool aligns with the north side of campus. Note the arbor surrounding the pool, between the McDermott Library and the Student Union.

A view from the north end of campus, looking south.

Plaza

A 900-foot plaza, lined with trees and a waterway (A), will be the central area of campus. On each side of the waterway are low walls, which students will be able to sit on and will be low enough to dip one's feet in the water. Peter Walker said that the project should encourage people to interact with each other and the environment. A kiosk area (center) will help guide visitors to the rest of the campus. Four new buildings could be included in this space.

Views from campus

The view from the campus looking south toward the University Parkway entrance.

The view from the campus entrance and drop-off area showing the plaza. Peter Walker suggested that this view may become the hallmark photograph of the UT Dallas campus, perhaps featured in brochures.

Entrance and Drop Off Area

As you enter UT Dallas along University Parkway (at left in the photo below), a dense row of trees will compress space, opening up when you arrive at the campus proper. The circular grass area will be raised so the whole campus won't be visible, adding some drama to the entrance to campus. The circular drive provides a drop-off area for visitors. The four circular areas in yellow will hold flowers.

A view from the circular drive's drop-off area.

Campbell Road Entrance

The view of the UT Dallas entrance from Campbell Road and University Parkway.

Below, one can sense the scale of the UT Dallas entrance (right) off Campbell Road.

Next Steps

Peter Walker and Partners will next try their ideas on a small section of campus. Outlined in red is a rectangular section along University Parkway, which trees will be planted, allowing the architects to "get it right" before moving on to the rest of the campus.

Below is a ground-level view of what University Parkway may look like once completed.

 

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