84 Texas A&M International University 8. Gravel Gravel is a popular and sustainable alternative for Turfgrass, paved areas, and plant-based mulch. It can also be used as a strip band (maintenance band) around structures to access building walls for maintenance or in areas where plant materials will not thrive. Due to its permeable nature, gravel can be a good material choice in areas where increased storm-water management methods are incorporated. While gravel does have low-maintenance properties, it is not completely maintenance-free and must be secured in place by containing it with a border or edge. Because gravel can migrate, it must also be replenished periodically as necessary. 10. Service and Mechanical Screening Wherever possible, all service, mechanical, and back-of-house elements (utilities, dumpsters, loading docks etc.) shall be buffered or screened with brick enclosures, softscape, or metal fencing/screening (louvered metal fence system). Brick enclosures should match existing or proposed building structures. Softscape buffers should include robust (heavily foliaged) shrubs, small trees, planted berms, or a combination of all to mitigate views of back-of-house elements and screen them from pedestrians and vehicular views. Screening should keep service areas out of sight, while providing proper ventilation for the equipment and positive drainage. Olafur Eliasson’s sculpture at E-Quad, Texas A&M University. Photo credit: Coleman & Associates Special place and node at Texas State Campus, San Marcos. Photo credit: Coleman & Associates Gravel as groundcover, University of Texas at Austin Photo credit: Coleman & Associates 9. Opportunities for Art Installations Outdoor art installations on college campuses can evoke thought, reflect purpose, honor individuals, and a myriad of other purposes. Often outdoor art is sponsored by a donor who might have requests of their own. It is important in a landscape that an art installation has the proper visibility, placement, scale consideration, and requirements for clearance, safety, and even ADA compliance. The placement of trees and other landscape features should also be considered when art is placed. Most collegiate campuses require a maintenance endowment in addition to funding for an outdoor piece because the outdoor elements can often require maintenance that is not always a consideration for indoor installations. Gravel as groundcover, University of Texas at Austin Photo credit: Coleman & Associates Metal fence/panel screening a loading dock Photo credit: Coleman & Associates 4 - DESIGN GUIDELINES Landscape Guidelines (cont.)
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