Campus Master Plan Update 81 3. Hardscape - Promenade / Connectors Promenades and connectors are the pedestrian linkages between buildings, quads, courtyards, plazas, and roadways. These “pedestrian movers” are meant to be of a width that accommodates the anticipated volume of pedestrians or multi-model uses (typically 4’-8’ wide for small connectors and 8’-12’ wide for medium sized connectors and up to approx. 25’ for life/safety access or primary mall spaces). The articulation of the paving for each of these connectors can be a crucial aesthetic statement on a college campus. The width and type of detailing of these pedestrian movers signal their significance among the network of campus circulation. The widest promenade/connectors should feature paver banding and/or paver fields that can be combined with a percentage of concrete to reduce costs if necessary. If the connector is being utilized for fire truck access or utility vehicle and/or golf carts, the concrete and pavers should be vehicular rated. Narrow paths do not need paver articulation and can be simple broom finished concrete. It is important to curve or angle path intersections to reduce the “cut through” pedestrian damage to turf or plantings; simply because pedestrians do not naturally make 90-degree turns in their movement. Diagonal paths can also be helpful in accommodating “point A to point B” patterns of movement. Pedestrian path lighting and lighting of gathering spaces shall meet the required foot candle requirements for TAMIU. Additionally, emergency phone access should be installed at key outdoor locations and be readily accessible and visible. Light fixtures and canopy trees should not be in conflict. Special consideration should be taken to predict accurately the mature canopy of adjacent trees when determining the light fixture and/ or tree spaces and location. Places to sit or gather with others should be located along pedestrian movers to maximize their use. Careful consideration should be made to ensure that these places and “nooks” along these paths do not hinder pedestrian flow. In fact; being off to the side of this movement is ideal to ensure these spaces function as intended; as a place to rest, converse or linger. This is an important component of campus life. Hanging out, seeing and being-seen are the hallmark of campus connections amongst students, visitors and faculty. 3A. Existing/Future Utility Corridors Emphasis should be placed on the location of utility corridors to avoid conflicts between existing/future utility lines, overhead structures, trees, plantings, lighting, etc. All utilities, such as manholes, underground and overhead utility lines, etc., must be accurately and precisely located, identified, and marked on the field before construction. This avoids impromptu field decisions that could potentially compromise the intent of the landscape design, the health of planting materials, or the structural integrity of hardscape materials. 3B. Fire Lanes Ease of emergency vehicle access throughout campus is essential. Emergency lanes require heavy-duty concrete and vehicular-rated pavers. To lessen their visual impact, these lanes may consider the use of gravel pave, grass pave, or pavers. Emergency lanes at TAMIU should comply with the applicable codes and standards listed in TAMIU’s Safety Manual under VIII. Fire & Life Safety. All fire lanes must be appropriately marked on the curbs and curb ends. If a fire lane is required, but no continuous curb exists, then mounted signage, alternate painting, or collapsible bollards are required to prevent access to unauthorized vehicles. The local fire department should review all building projects. Fire lane markings/signage must be approved by the Fire Marshall. Austin Community College, Round Rock’s promenade with paver bands, removable bollards, light poles, seating nook with a shade structure, and landscape beds. Photo credit: Coleman & Associates Grass Pave fire lane at University of Texas’ Engineering Education Research Center. Photo: Coleman & Associates 4 - DESIGN GUIDELINES
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