The University of Utah Campus Master Plan (CMP) provides an implementable planning framework for the 1,500-acre, 30,000-student campus in Salt Lake City. The plan calls for transforming the commuter-centric, parking-lot-ringed institution into an integrated, compact, sustainable, and residential academy. The ultimate goal of the plan is to guide efficient campus development in ways that engage, enhance, and energize all aspects of campus life.
Since its establishment on the present campus at the foothills of the Wasatch Range in 1900, the University of Utah has grown dramatically in response to a wide range of factors including enrollment growth, emerging trends in education, and new research and funding opportunities. The campus will continue to grow, accommodating previously unforeseen uses and users and integrating new interdisciplinary modes of learning, instruction, and research.
A major objective of the CMP is to enhance the environmental performance of the university with a comprehensive plan for sustainable design and resource use. The CMP is seen as a primary vehicle for establishing “Green Guidelines” for future growth that will contribute wisely to the campus legacy and encourage smart growth patterns by promoting a compact campus and minimizing environmental impacts. Sustainable planning strategies and guidelines, which are specifically tailored to this unique campus, are promoted by the CMP, and address issues such as transportation, open space and landscape, natural heritage, and built form.
This unique campus master plan focuses on student life enrichment, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Image © SOM
A previous plan promoted sprawling campus development beyond the academic core (Left). The new plan proposes future academic development within a compact, walkable core area (Right). Images © SOM
Infill buildings frame the new Science Quad, which becomes a center of multidisciplinary student interaction. Image © SOM
Existing TRAX transit stations are surrounded by surface parking lots, which hinders pedestrian movement (Left). The new plan proposes development at each transit node to create campus gateways and new centers of mixed-use activity (Right). Images © SOM
A light-rail station at the campus stadium will become a mixed-use gateway. Student housing and retail space will make this area a vibrant node of activity. Image © SOM
A new School of Medicine building will be located adjacent to the Medical Center TRAX light-rail station. It will provide a direct and pedestrian-friendly entry to the Health Sciences Center. Image © SOM
Existing student life facilities are inadequate and dispersed (Left). New centers of student life include on-campus housing, the Central Playing Fields, and Student Life Center (Right). Images © SOM
South Campus Walk is envisioned as a campus gateway and a unique hub of student life situated at South Campus TRAX station. Image © SOM
The Central Playing Fields are the centerpiece of the student life enrichment strategy. They will replace an infrequently used campus golf course and surface parking lots. Image © SOM
Stormwater runoff will be directed to bioswales, cisterns, and/or retention basins. Image © SOM
HPER Mall plays a key role in the sustainable water strategy for the campus. Bioswales are integrated along the length of the Mall to collect and clean runoff from adjacent buildings and fields. Image © SOM
