COUNCIL FOR THE BUlL T ENVIRONMENT

Co-Chairs: Dr. Karan L. Watson, Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Jerry R. Strawser, Vice President for Finance and Administration

June 27, 2017

MEMORANDUM

TO: President Michael K. Young President, Texas A&M University

SUBJECT: CBE Recommendation: Aggies United Plaza

The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) reviewed a request from the Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity for landscape and hardscape improvements in the existing quad space between Cushing Library and the Academic Building to create the Aggies United Plaza. The request is for conceptual approval of the project. The request as well as the sub-council ' s report are attached .

The Design Review sub-council (DRsc) voted to recommend approval of the Aggies United Plaza as presented for project approval and conceptual design, with the following caveats:

• Members support the ideas of diversity and inclusion as the primary theme of the plaza, and recommend that the message be clearly and strongly conveyed. These ideas should be expressed in a purposeful and meaningful way, not communicating a snapshot in time but speaking to the changing face of what it means to be an Aggie in the context of inclusion.

• Members do not recommend use of the Aggies United Wall , but rather the incorporation of a unique piece of public artwork solicited through a competitive process in compliance with the TAMU Procedures for Public Art.

• Design of the plaza and its elements should maintain the openness of the space. • Members expressed a concern with noise from events and activities in the plaza creating a problem

for the surrounding academic classes, and request further investigation . • Rather than a platform for the speaker' s corner, design should consider a holistic approach to

fostering engagement and interaction within the space. • A landscape architecture firm should be solicited through SSC to further develop the initial concepts

and complete the plaza design. • Within the plaza there is an existing marker denoting a building that was previously located on this

site. The design will need to consider how to incorporate that marker. • The conceptual design as presented shows trees blocking the Cushing Library loading dock. Future

designs should keep this area accessible. • If approved, further design details should be presented to the DRsc for approval at I 00% Schematic

Design and I 00% Design Development in accordance with DRsc procedures.

Jack K. W1ll1ams Admm1strat1on Bulld1ng Suite 100 1248 TAMU College Station. TX 77843-1248 USA

Tel +1 979 845.4016 Fax. +1 979 845.6994 http"//cbe tamu edu/

June27, 2017 CBE Recommendation: Aggies United Plaza Page 2

The Facilities Utilization and Planning sub-council (FUPsc) supports the request for the design of and plans for the Aggies United Plaza.

The Maintenance sub-council (Msc) recommends approval of the Aggie United Plaza with the following comments/concerns:

• Noise from events in the plaza that would impact surrounding buildings supporting teaching classrooms

• Exploration of other locations maybe more appropriate ... closer to Military Walk • Visit with EHS concerning the current area being utilized as a fire lane to existing facilities • Long term maintenance of the plaza, possible endowment • Visit with UES for utilities in the area.

The Technical Review sub-council (TRsc) supports the proposed request for Aggies United Plaza and recommends approval, provided the following issues/concerns are addressed and funded.

• The working group must continue to work with EHS to ensure that fire lane access is maintained for buildings in that plaza as required by fire code.

• TRsc recommends that the project work with UPD to include security provisions including installation of high quality surveillance cameras, proper (re)location of the blue light emergency phone in that area and lighting levels that meet or exceed campus lighting standards.

• The design team needs to ensure that the project does not increase the rate of storm runoff into local creeks.

• The project team should coordinate with Grounds Management for landscaping and irrigation concerns.

• The project team should minimize the size of the turf areas to create more hardscape space for large group meetings. As the space will be utilized most regularly during the primary academic year, shade at the perimeters should suffice.

• The project team should make sure the lawn areas as presented have a minimum of a I 2" sand base with drainage system.

• The project team should consider installing a plant bed the area behind and adjacent to the reflecting water feature to provide scale to the large Harrington tower behind it.

• The project team should consider adding a walk way oriented north and south parallel to the academic building to accommodate the traffic that will likely occur there and prevent "cattle paths" through the lawn.

• The project and design team will need to follow the applicable TAMU UES Design Standards­https:/ /uti I i ties. tam u .ed u/ design-standards/.

• The project and design team will need to follow the TAMU policy on digging on campus prior to any excavation - https: //uti lities.tamu.edu/digging-campus/.

• The TAMU UES has identified numerous utility services bisecting the area including storm water, sanitary sewer, chilled water and a tunnel containing heating hot water. The project design team will need to contact UES (Rob Meyer) to ensure that survey crews are able locate all existing infrastructure prior to design.

• TAMU UES asks that the design team is included in the design process and has the opportunity to reviewal I modifications.

June 27, 2017 CBE Recommendation: Aggies United Plaza Page 3

The CBE voted to recommend, with noted caveats, the President' s approval of the request for conceptual approval for the Aggies United Plaza between Cushing Library and the Academic Building.

Provost and Executive Vice President Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment

Approved:

--.,.~~.__~--'i:=-=~'-=--=c_> ...a.=£'-=-.~ ~/lll-'-===K.,_,_y------$',6_2V/r? M 1chael K. Young Date President

Attachment

Date Vice President for Finance & Administration Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment

cc: Sub-Council Chairs, Council for the Built Environment

AGGIES UNITED PLAZA

PROJECT BRIEF

SITE IMAGES

1

EXISTING SITE PLAN

LEGEND

Project Area

Direction of site images

Existing trees

Existing planting bed

Existing benches

OFFICE OF THE UNIVERSITY ARCHITECT

April 2017 Page 1

The proposed plaza location is the existing quad space between Cushing Library and the Academic Building. The intent of the Aggies United Plaza is to create a place for celebration of diversity and inclusion on campus, to display the global foot-print and impact of the Aggie community, and to provide space for cultural events. The plaza elements and goals are as follows: • Speaker’s corner• Place of reflection and honor• Space for personal and social engagement• Message oriented with use of interactive technology• Be physically progressive such as travel of a journey (mental and physical) • Provide beautification (more landscape than hardscape)• Incorporation of seating and/or an area that could be multi-functional • Consideration of traffic flow through plaza• Consideration of use of water as a unifying element

>

>1

23

ACAD

HECCEDCT

BSBEBSBWBSBW

CUSHING LIBRLIBR

4 >

>

12

3

4

56

7

8

9

CUSHING

ACAD

HECCEDCT

BSBE

ACAD

HECCEDCT

BSBE

EVAN’SLIBRARYOpen plaza

Bike path

LEGEND

Cross tra�c �ow

Access

Speaker’s corner

Seating spaces

Design element for showing Aggie footprint around the world

Interactive display

Re�ecting pool

Aggies United wall

Open lawn

Planting bed

Shade tree

Seating

Bike racks

Open plaza

Bike path

LEGEND

Cross tra�c �ow

Access

Speaker’s corner

Interactive display

Water feature

Aggies United wall

Seat walls

Open lawn

Flower garden

Shade tree

Edge treatment

Bike racks

2

3

4

AGGIES UNITED PLAZA SITE DIAGRAM CONCEPT

OFFICE OF THE UNIVERSITY ARCHITECT

April 2017 Page 2

>

>1

23

ACAD

HECCEDCT

BSBEBSBWBSBW

CUSHING LIBRLIBR

4 >

>

12

3

4

56

7

8

9

CUSHING

ACAD

HECCEDCT

BSBE

ACAD

HECCEDCT

BSBE

EVAN’SLIBRARYOpen plaza

Bike path

LEGEND

Cross tra�c �ow

Access

Speaker’s corner

Seating spaces

Design element for showing Aggie footprint around the world

Interactive display

Re�ecting pool

Aggies United wall

Open lawn

Planting bed

Shade tree

Seating

Bike racks

Open plaza

Bike path

LEGEND

Cross tra�c �ow

Access

Speaker’s corner

Interactive display

Water feature

Aggies United wall

Seat walls

Open lawn

Flower garden

Shade tree

Edge treatment

Bike racks

>

>1

23

ACAD

HECCEDCT

BSBEBSBWBSBW

CUSHING LIBRLIBR

4 >

>

12

3

4

56

7

8

9

CUSHING

ACAD

HECCEDCT

BSBE

ACAD

HECCEDCT

BSBE

EVAN’SLIBRARYOpen plaza

Bike path

LEGEND

Cross tra�c �ow

Access

Speaker’s corner

Seating spaces

Design element for showing Aggie footprint around the world

Interactive display

Re�ecting pool

Aggies United wall

Open lawn

Planting bed

Shade tree

Seating

Bike racks

Open plaza

Bike path

LEGEND

Cross tra�c �ow

Access

Speaker’s corner

Interactive display

Water feature

Aggies United wall

Seat walls

Open lawn

Flower garden

Shade tree

Edge treatment

Bike racks

The plaza will allow for pedestrian flow through the area, and gathering space in small scale around the speaker’s corner. It is accessible from all corners of the quad. As a physical display, the Aggies United wall is located behind a reflecting pool for a greater impact.

The plaza is complemented with an interactive display, along with a 2D or 3D de-sign element to express the global footprint and impact of the Aggie community. This element would not be a simple map, but would be interactive with personal-ized messages. The messages can be tied back to the design element. One item for consideration in the design process is the incorporation of a symbol(s) to signify the Aggie Core Values or history of Texas A&M.

Pedestrians are directed to the pathways by the use of seating spaces along the open lawns. The open lawns provide large gathering spaces for events and encour-age social interaction as a destination place for students. Shade is an important consideration while placing the seatings and open lawns. Planting beds are placed along the building edges. As design progresses, stormwater management for the plaza should be addressed.

The long-term intent for this plaza is to be a dismount zone for bikes. Bike racks are to be provided along Cushing Library to encourage students and visitors on bikes to visit the plaza.

1

3

6

4

10

ACAD

HECCEDCT

BSBEBSBW

CUSHING LIBR

0’ 10’ 20’5’ 40’ 80’

2

5

9

8

7

AGGIES UNITED PLAZA LEGEND OF PRECEDENTSCONCEPT PLAN

1 Aggies United Wall (approx. size 28’ in length and 7’-8’ in height)2 6” raised platform for Speaker’s Corner with signage

3 Interactive Display

4 Relief of World Map on the plaza floor, or a globe symbolizing diversity and inclusion

OFFICE OF THE UNIVERSITY ARCHITECT

April 2017 Page 3

5 Reflecting pool at ground level

6 Standard Scarborough green benches

7 Carousel seating and movable tables and chairs

8 Native planting bed9 Open grass10 Bike racks

COUNCIL FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT DESIGN REVIEW SUB-COUNCIL

1

MEMORANDUM TO: Dr. Jerry Strawser Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment

Dr. Karan Watson Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment FROM: Ms. Lilia Gonzales, AIA University Architect and Chair, Design Review Sub-Council DATE: June 7, 2017 RE: Design Review Sub-Council (DRsc) Report

Aggies United Plaza On May 17, 2017 the Design Review sub-council reviewed a request for landscape and hardscape improvements in the existing quad space between Cushing Library and the Academic Building to create the Aggies United Plaza. This request is for conceptual approval of the project. At the direction of Provost Watson in January 2017, a working group was formed to study and discuss potential designs and plans for a diversity plaza. This group consisted of Dr. Christine Stanley (chair), VP and Associate Provost for Diversity; Ms. Dee Childs, VP for Information Technology and CIO; Ms. Amy Smith, Sr. VP and Chief Marketing and Communications Office; and Ms. Lilia Gonzales, University Architect. Ms. Gonzales presented the project on behalf of this group and excused herself from the DRsc conversation and vote. Regarding the proposed site location, the 2004 Campus Master Plan called for this space to be a quad or plaza to strengthen the relationship between the Academic building and Cushing Library, to provide a gathering space, and to provide additional seating without impeding traffic flow. This proposal is in alignment with both the 2004 and 2017 CMPs. The 2017 CMP recommends the creation of more outdoor spaces and marks this area for enhancement as a quad space. The proposal maintains pedestrian malls and connectors, and required drives for service and emergency vehicles. The east/west axis remains and a diagonal path is created to allow for pedestrian traffic flow. The CMP marks this area as one of many dismount zones for bicycles, so the implementation process for the dismount areas could potentially begin with this project. The project intent is to create a place to celebrate diversity and inclusion on campus, to display the global footprint and impact of the Aggie community, and to provide space for cultural events. Proposed elements of the plaza include a speaker’s corner, a place for personal and social engagement, a 2D or 3D interactive display element with personalized message content, and small and large gathering spaces for events. One key feature is a 7’ tall replica of the Aggies United Wall which would be incorporated behind a reflecting pool. Benefits of the plaza include improved pedestrian traffic flow, addition of outdoor gathering spaces, and beautification of the area.

COUNCIL FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT DESIGN REVIEW SUB-COUNCIL

2

The project is being referred to as the Aggies United Plaza, however the name is not set. It was noted that there was recently an Aggie Green Fund project to install a monarch butterfly garden within the existing beds in this plaza, which has now been relocated to an area adjacent to the Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building. DRsc members expressed concern with the use of the Aggies United Wall. It was noted that the wall elements do not contribute to maintaining the openness of the space. In addition, the wall could be viewed as a snapshot in time centered around one event. This plaza has the opportunity to incorporate a unique piece of artwork to communicate the university’s milestones and how students are reinterpreting the university’s core values in terms of diversity and inclusion. Regarding the expression of global impact, members encourage the project team to think about the distinctions between globalization and globalism, and use the Aggie core values to acknowledge the value of global/local identities. Recommendation DRsc members voted to recommend approval of the Aggies United Plaza as presented for project approval and conceptual design, with the following caveats:

• Members support the ideas of diversity and inclusion as the primary theme of the plaza, and recommend that the message be clearly and strongly conveyed. These ideas should be expressed in a purposeful and meaningful way, not communicating a snapshot in time but speaking to the changing face of what it means to be an Aggie in the context of inclusion.

• Members do not recommend use of the Aggies United Wall, but rather the incorporation of a unique piece of public artwork solicited through a competitive process in compliance with the TAMU Procedures for Public Art.

• Design of the plaza and its elements should maintain the openness of the space. • Members expressed a concern with noise from events and activities in the plaza creating a

problem for the surrounding academic classes, and request further investigation. • Rather than a platform for the speaker’s corner, design should consider a holistic approach to

fostering engagement and interaction within the space. • A landscape architecture firm should be solicited through SSC to further develop the initial

concepts and complete the plaza design. • Within the plaza there is an existing marker denoting a building that was previously located

on this site. The design will need to consider how to incorporate that marker. • The conceptual design as presented shows trees blocking the Cushing Library loading dock.

Future designs should keep this area accessible. • If approved, further design details should be presented to the DRsc for approval at 100%

Schematic Design and 100% Design Development in accordance with DRsc procedures. Selected images are attached. Please contact me with any questions.

cc: Christine Stanley DRsc Members

Bettyann Zito

AGGIES UNITED PLAZAC BE Su b-C o u n ci l P r es en t a t io n

17 May 2017

Proposed Project Site Location

Integration with Campus Master Plans – 2004 & 2017

Proposed Project - Aggies United Plaza

AGENDA

Proposed Project Locationsite:

SITE

CAMPUS MASTER PLAN

2004 Campus Master Plan2004 CMP:Library Quad & Diversity Plaza:

• Strengthen relationship between Academic & Cushing Building

• Provide a gathering space in lieu of a “pass thru” space

• Incorporation of small seating areas, not to impede traffic

Open Space Network2017 CMP:

Quads, Plazas, Greens, etc.2017 CMP:

Malls, Connectors & Links2017 CMP:

Campus Development – Historic Core2017 CMP:

Pedestrian Connectivity 2017 CMP:

Bicycle Network / Dismount Zones 2017 CMP:

Service and Emergency Vehicles2017 CMP:

RoadwaysService RoutesRelocated Service BaysExisting Service Roads

Cushing Quad Re-Imagined2017 CMP:

Hand Rendering | ASG

AGGIES UNITED PROJECT

Existing Site & Project Intentproject:Intent:• Create a place for

celebrating diversity & inclusion on campus

• Display the global footprint & impact of Aggies

• Provide space for cultural events

Legend

Site Imagesproject:

Image 1 – View North

Image 4 – View West

Image 2 – View East

Image 3 – View South

Elements & Goalsproject:

Goals:• Place of reflection and honor• Space for personal and social engagement• Be physically progressive such as travel of a

journey, mental and physical• Consideration of traffic flow & water as a

unifying element

Elements:• Speaker’s corner• Message oriented with use of interactive

technology• Provide beautification

• Less hardscape• Incorporation of seating• Multifunctional area

Aggies United Wall | TAMU

Diagrammatic Sketch concept:

Conceptual Ideasconcept:

• Allow for easier pedestrian flow with a small scale gathering space near speaker’s corner

• Connected and accessible from all corners of the quad

• Aggies United Wall positioned behind a reflecting pool for a greater symbolic impact

• 2D or 3D design element showcasing global footprint of Aggies• Globe or embossed world map

• Interactive display more than a map• Personalized messages

Brochstein Pavilion | Rice

Aggies United Wall | TAMU

World Map Relief | Stacy Levy

Conceptual Ideasconcept:

• Pedestrian flow directed by seating along open lawns• Lawns provide large gathering space • Encourage social interaction

• Shade is important consideration around seating areas

• Storm water management needs to be considered

• Quad will become a dismount zone• Bike racks located north of Cushing to

encourage visitation by bike riders

Brochstein Pavilion | Rice

Aggies United Wall | TAMU

World Map Relief | Stacy Levy

Planconcept:

Legend1. Aggies United Wall

2. 6” raised platform | Speaker’s

Corner

3. Interactive Display

4. Global display of Aggies

5. Reflecting Pool

6. Standard Scarborough Bench

7. Carousel & Movable seating

8. Native Planting Bed

9. Lawn

10. Bike Racks

Thanks & Gig’em!

17 May 2017

 Council for the Built Environment Facilities Utilization and Planning Sub-Council

   June 5, 2017 MEMORANDUM To: Dr. Karan Watson Provost & Executive Vice President

Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment Dr. Jerry Strawser Executive Vice President for Finance & Administration and Chief Financial Officer

Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment From: Dr. J. Martin Scholtz

Executive Associate Vice President for Research Chair, CBE-Facilities Utilization and Planning Sub-Council Subject: Aggies United Plaza SCOPE

The FUPsc has considered the request by the Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity, Christine Stanley, to consider plans for the design of a diversity plaza, which will be known as Aggies United Plaza. As noted in the attached memorandum, the plan is “for landscape and hardscape improvements in the existing quad space between Cushing Library and the Academic Building to create the Aggies United Plaza.” The area would be “a place for celebration of diversity and inclusion on campus.” The area would contain a speaker’s corner, and interactive display and gathering places for events. There will also be a reflecting pool with a replica of the Aggies United wall. Funding for the project has yet to be secured.

RECOMMENDATION The Council for the Built Environment’s (CBE) Facilities Utilization and Planning sub-council (FUPsc) recommends that the CBE support the request for the design of and plans for the Aggies United Plaza.

We are pleased to offer this recommendation and welcome further inquiries related to this analysis. Attachments CC: CBE-FUPsc members

DIVISION OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRA110N Facilities and Dining Administration

May 5, 2017

MEMORANDUM

To: Dr. Karan Watson Co- Chair, Council for the Built Environment

Dr. Jerry Strawser Co- Chair, Council for the Built Environment

Subject: Aggies United Plaza

The Maintenance Sub-Council has reviewed the request for the Aggies United Plaza to be located on the existing quad space between the Cushing Library and the Academic Building. The concept of a plaza to celebrate diversity and inclusion on the T AMU campus is a project that Msc supports. There are several concerns/comments discussed that need to be addressed to have a successful plaza for many years. Therefore the following recommendation is made.

RECOMMENDATION

The Msc recommends approval ofthe Aggie United Plaza with the following comments/concerns:

• Noise from events in the plaza that would impact sunounding buildings supp01ting teaching classrooms • Exploration of other locations maybe more appropriate ... closer to Military Walk • Visit with EHS concerning the cunent area being utilized as a fire lane to existing facilities • Long term maintenance of the plaza, possible endowment • Visit with UES for utilities in the area.

f[§tvil~

Chairman, CBE Maintenance Sub Council

CC: CBE-Msc members

DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs

MEMORANDUM

TO: Dr. Karan Watson

Co~chair, Council on the Built Environment

Dr. Jerry Strawser

Co·chair, Council on the Built Environment

FROM: (TomR~ Chair, CBE Technical Review Sub·council

DATE: May 22,2017

SUBJECT: CBE TRsc Recommendation: Request for Aggies United Plaza

On May 15, 2017, Lilia Gonzales, University Architect presented to the CBE's Technical Review Sub·

council on the proposed request for landscape and hardscape improvements in the existing quad space

between Cushing Library and the Academic Building to create the Aggies United Plaza.

The intent of the Aggies United Plaza is to create a place of celebration of diversity and inclusion on

campus; to display the global footprint and impact students, faculty and staff; and to provide space for

cultural events.

Recommendation

The Technical Review Sub·council supports the proposed request for Aggies United Plaza and

recommends approval, provided the following issues/concerns are addressed and funded.

EH&S: The working group must continue to work with EHS to ensure that fire lane access is maintained for buildings in that plaza as required by fire code.

We recommend that the project work with UPD to include security provisions including installation of high quality surveillance cameras, proper (re)location of the blue light emergency phone in that area and lighting levels that meet or exceed campus lighting standards.

117 Koldus Student Services Building 1256 TAMU College Station, TX 77843-1256

Tel. 979.845.4728 Fax. 979.845.3320 htt p://studentaffa irs. tamu .ed u

Facility Services:

The design team needs to ensure that the project does not increase the rate of storm runoff Into local

creeks.

The project team should coordinate with Grounds Management for landscaping and irrigation concerns.

The project team should minimize the size of the turf areas to create more hardscape space for large

group meetings. As the space will be utilized most regularly during the primary academic year, shade at

the perimeters should suffice.

The project team should make sure the lawn areas as presented have a minimum of a 12" sand base

with drainage system.

The project team should consider installing a plant bed the area behind and adjacent to the reflecting

water feature to provide scale to the large Harrington tower behind it.

The project team should consider adding a walk way oriented north and south parallel to the academic

building to accommodate the traffic that will likely occur there and prevent "cattle paths" through the

lawn.

Utilities and Energy Services: TAMU UES looks forward to working closely with the project and design team to ensure that all campus requirements are met and that the project is successful.

The project and design team will need to follow the applicable TAMU UES Design Standards­https://utilities.tamu.edu/design-standards/.

The project and design team will need to follow the TAMU policy on digging on campus- prior to any excavation- https://utilities.tamu.edu/digging-campus/.

The TAMU UES has identified numerous utility services bisecting the area including storm water, sanitary sewer, chilled water and a tunnel containing heating hot water. The project design team will need to contact UES (Rob Meyer) to ensure that survey crews are able locate all existing infrastructure prior to design.

TAMU UES asks that the design team is included in the design process and has the opportunity to review all modifications.