82 Texas A&M International University 4. Site Furniture / Exterior Lighting Site furnishings, which include benches, tables, shade structures, bicycle racks, trash receptacles, lighting, etc. (reference Appendix B), are an integral part of the development of campus quads, plazas, outdoor gathering spaces, promenades/connectors, etc., to create a consistent campus character. These furnishings should be consistently applied throughout the campus with the exception of areas of historical significance, or a unique program that may have unique site furnishings specific to the character of those spaces. All outdoor furniture should have periodic assessments to ensure they are sturdy, safe, and not vandalized. Some existing furnishings in good shape can be relocated to new places as new furnishings are installed. The Site Furnishings List (Appendix B) introduces new outdoor resilient furnishings that were unavailable 5 to 10 years ago. Appendix B’s furnishing options reflect how today’s user (students, staff, visitors, etc.) utilizes outdoor spaces. Moveable furniture and outdoor “living room” furniture that imitate comfortable lounging options are more prevalent on campuses than ever before. Additionally, charging stations, outdoor WiFi, and lighting for both study and safety are becoming the norm and could be embraced by TAMIU. 5. Architectural Shade Elements Shade is a “must have” in this region of hot, sunny days. Trees are an obvious way to combat the heat and direct sunlight but the time for a shade tree to grow to a size that creates beneficial shade can take several years. Therefore, in newly create campus improvements, the use of structural shade combined with the planting of shade trees can help immensely by delivering both immediate shade and future shade simultaneously. These structural shade elements can also effectively create outdoor rooms, completed with lighting, charging stations, ceiling fans, WiFi, and comfortable furnishings. Another added benefit of structural shade is that these elements can become architectural aesthetics in the landscape. These structures can be repeated throughout the campus as a unifying fabric that works in concert with trees, plantings, wayfinding, and architectural expressions of the buildings themselves. Exterior lighting is critical for maintaining a high level of safety across campus during the evening hours and ensuring programmed outdoor spaces, such as athletic fields, are usable after dark. New exterior lighting should respect any existing aesthetics on campus and fit within the campus’ maintenance program. All fixtures must be a “white light” (no HighPressure Sodium) and be “dark-sky” compliant as required by state law. It is important to ensure that lights and trees are properly placed and not in such proximity that the tree canopy interferes with lighting. To minimize light obstruction, planting trees no closer than 12’ to light poles is recommended. Emergency Telephones, or “blue light,” phones, are an important element in the overall campus safety strategy. Blue light phones can be used to contact campus security for any reason, such as to call for an escort, to report a suspicious person, or report an emergency so that security, police, fire, or medical personnel can be contacted and directed to a specific location. Movable furniture on artificial turf, Texas A&M Univeristy, Rudder Plaza & Student Services. Photo credit: Lake Falto Light fixtures at connector, Tarleton State University, Applied Sciences. Photo credit: Coleman & Associates 4 - DESIGN GUIDELINES Landscape Guidelines (cont.)
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