Project Description:
The team worked with Site Resources to redesign the Heritage Community courtyard. Through conducting a survey, 67 responses highlighted the needs of the community and influenced the development of the team’s goals. First, the design included social gathering features, engaging infrastructure, and 50% green space to enhance the user’s experience. Second, safety was increased by incorporating a bike lane and additional bike racks in optimal locations. These regulated paths aimed to minimize collisions between pedestrians and micromobility vehicles. Lastly, focus was placed on functionality by creating efficient pathways and a robust drainage system.
In order to create a unique layout, each team member individually produced a concept model centered around a different priority: efficiency, aesthetics, cultural significance, and interactive features. The team then brought their ideas together to create an integrated design featuring paths and seating areas in the shape of a turtle shell, a large section of green space resembling a traditional campus quad and outdoor seating for the dining hall.
Developing the grading of the site, feature lines with elevation points were created to generate a 3-dimensional surface. Using this surface model, the team defined drainage areas by adjusting the grading and determining the critical points to which water will flow. Based on each drainage area’s impervious percentage and soil type, the team calculated how much water needed to be captured and treated by the proposed stormwater facilities. The size and location of the facilities were then designed, following the Maryland Environmental Site Design Standards. Finally, proposed utilities were implemented to supply the site features with the required resources while avoiding crossings.
