Hamden, CT

Master Plan that enhances campus architectural unity with the development of a Landscape and Arboretum Master Plan including clear mission and planning objectives of a campus arboretum.

Quinnipiac University is an institution characterized by significant and orderly growth. Founded in the 1960’s, the main campus includes more than thirty-five academic, residential, and support buildings. The spatial organization of the main campus has largely evolved around the center campus space known as the Main Quad. The Landscape and Arboretum Master Plan complements an already architecturally unified campus.

The master planning process examined a range of factors including zoning, soils, topography and slope analysis, vehicular and pedestrian circulation, open space organization, views, and special features. Soil analyses identified opportunities and constraints for the development of the campus into an Arboretum based on soil characteristics that might limit or encourage healthy plant growth. Landscape types were identified including natural areas such as upland forest and forested wetlands, to more developed areas such as the Main Quad lawn and residential area green spaces.

The Master Plan recommendations included the development of a mission statement and arboretum planning objectives and organization. Arboretum/landscape opportunities were identified which form the basis for the plant collections and thematic organization of the Campus Arboretum.