Quinsigamond Community College

Quinsigamond Community College Creating an Entry Experience through Sustainable Design Worcester, Massachusetts Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell Conway School of Landscape Design Spring 2009

Project Overview Introduction Context & Base Map with Design Focal Area History Nearby Parks & Open Spaces

1 2 3 4

Site Analyses Views & Surroundings Western Drop-off Focal Area Analysis Access, Circulation, & Lighting Analysis Wind & Slope Analysis Detail: Slope & Circulation Cross-section Hydrology in Context Drainage Analysis Sun & Shadow Analysis Soils Analysis Vegetation & Wildlife Analysis Summary Analysis

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Designs Design Principles Alternative: Formal Meets Informal Alternative: Boylston Berms Alternative: Tapestry Preferred Design: Framed Contrasts Preferred Design Detail: Western Drop-off Preferred Design Detail: Northwestern Slope Preferred Design Detail: Sledding Hill Planting Plan Planting Plan Detail: Western Drop-off Planting Plan Detail: Rain Garden Design Precedents Construction Details Cost Estimate & Phasing Preferred Design in Context

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Index of Sheets

T

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

QCC contacted the Conway School of Landscape Design to create landscape designs for the western edge including the sledding hill and western drop-off area. This area is referred to as the focal area in this plan set.

Vision

Q

uinsigamond Community College seeks to create spaces that improve sustainable land use and resilience against uncertain future landscape changes on campus. The college hopes to communicate the importance of sustainability through campus design by using durable, environmentally appropriate materials, reusing materials on site as feasible, and creating environmental awareness.

Goals for Focal Area • Create a legible and welcoming main gateway and front yard for visitors, local residents, and the college community along the western side of the property • Soften and green the streetscape for the western edge bordering a commercial zone • Provide a protected and welcoming commons for commuters gathering near the western drop-off

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

Spring 2009

he landscape of Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) is in a time of major transition. Following a highly damaging winter ice storm, an infestation of the Asian longhorned beetle, and the current construction of a new loop road, the campus is unusually exposed to wind, sun, and traffic from West Boylston Street. More specifically, due to beetle infestation, approximately twenty maple trees were removed from the streetscape along West Boylston Street, bordering the western edge of campus. Tree canopies were compromised from the winter ice storm and many damaged limbs had to be removed.

Current construction has caused many trees and other plants to be transplanted or removed.

N

• Increase stormwater infiltration

Introduction

1/30

Spring 2009

Weasel Brook

Residential

QCC Campus

Ahlfors Hall Commercial Main Entrance

West B

Images taken from Internet sources.

190

Focal Area

Western Drop-off

Athletic Center

h Driveway Burncoat Nort Eastern Drop-off

oylst

on St

reet

Weasel Brook

Fuller Student Center Common Area

Harrington Learning Center

ion

pt ssum

Sledding Hill

d

Roa

A

Administr nistr Administration Buildin ildin Building

QCC

Child Study Center Residential

Q

uinsigamond Community College is a 50.4-acre campus located in the northern part of Worcester, Massachusetts.

Worcester is the second largest city in Massachusetts and the third largest in New England with a population of approximately 176,000 according to the 2006 U.S. census. The college serves 7,000 commuter students weekly. In addition, the college is in proximity to Interstate 190 and borders heavily trafficked West Boylston Street, a commercial strip to the

Downtown Worcester Indian Lake

0

.5

1 mile

0

100

200 ft.

west. Weasel Brook lies 200 feet to the west of campus. The other three sides are urban residential neighborhoods. Within the campus, the design focal area, in pink on the base map above, consists of the western edge and western drop-off, including the popular sledding hill and common area south of the Fuller Student Center.

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

Surprenant Hall

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Worcester, Massachusetts

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

Maintenance Building

N

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Context & Base Map with Design Focal Area

2/30

T

A

ssumption College was founded in 1904 to educate young men of French-Canadian heritage, whose parents migrated to the region to work in the mills of Worcester. The college grew to include a preparatory school as well as a four year college. The Assumption College campus location in Greendale, a neighborhood of northern Worcester, was on land previously used as orchards. By 1941, the college had 300 students who paid $500 yearly tuition. A flourishing farm, where the current QCC athletic fields are located, provided those students with eggs, milk, poultry, and fresh produce and saved the college $5000 a year.

n 1953, a tornado hit Assumption College, killing three people and causing extensive damage to buildings and the grounds.

In the aftermath of the tornado, the city of Worcester was reforested with Norway maples. Many of those trees provided an iconic streetscape seen along West Boylston Street as well as many other Worcester streets. A memorial to the victims of this tornado is an important community destination on the current campus.

I

n 1963 Quinsigamond Community College moved to the Assumption College site and now serves 13,000 commuter students annually. From the beginning of its occupancy, the need for a campus loop road to handle the large volume of commuter traffic was evident, and in 2008, construction of a loop road was initiated.

A significant number of landscape canopy trees have been removed from the main entrance road due to construction. In addition, the Asian longhorned beetle infested over 20,000 of Worcester’s trees, including many on the campus. The removal of infested trees and damage from an ice storm in December 2008 has led to a time of major landscape transition on the Quinsigamond Community College campus.

Although the buildings on the campus were rebuilt, Assumption College relocated to a new site in Worcester in 1956. Assumption Preparatory School remained on the original campus until it relocated in the 1960s and eventually closed in 1970.

Asian longhorned beetle

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

I

Assumption College circa 1904 showing the original stone wall entrance.

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

QCC landscape prior to ice storm, beetle infestation, and road construction Images taken from Internet sources.

By 1873, 41,000 inhabitants resided in Worcester and tax records show there were 373 farms in thirty-six square miles. Land use patterns indicate 2,700 acres of woodland, 4,500 acres of mowed lawn, 4,000 acres of cow and horse pasture, and 36,000 acres of apple orchards.

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Photos show the Administration Building and North Hall prior to (above) and after (below) the tornado of 1953.

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

Spring 2009

he earliest European settlement around the seven hills of Worcester and Lake Quinsigamond began in the seventeenth century and in 1722 the town of Worcester was incorporated.

During the first hundred years of European settlement the predominant land use pattern was agricultural, but by the mideighteenth century the area became increasingly industrialized with textile mills and other industries established along the Blackstone Canal, which was constructed in 1828. The Blackstone River Watershed has been recognized as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, giving it the reputation of the hardest working river in the United States.

N

Main entrance during construction April 2008

History

3/30

1 mile Worcester Country Club (not public)

Roberto Clemente Playground

QCC

Other Worcester Parks:

Tacoma Street Playground

Kendrick Field

Rte 2

Beaver Brook Park Cristoforo Colombo Park Crompton Park Greenwood Park Lake Park Logan Field University Park Wetherell Park

Shore Park Indian Lake

Dodge Park Burncoat Park

Lake Quinsigamond

290 190

Green Hill Park Institute Park

Photographs taken from Internet sources.

Salisbury Park 0

.25

.5 miles

Regatta Point Park

Legend

Worcester

Green space

90

Waterbody Road

395 84 0

10

20 miles

Large areas of green space are within thirty miles of Worcester city limits; however, due to the outward development of Worcester, large areas of green space are not as common within the city limits.

Legend Green space Waterbody Highway

Spring 2009

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

While a few parks, playgrounds, and fields are less than two miles from Quinsigamond Community College, the campus serves as a convenient community green space for local residents, visitors, and the college community. The western edge is used as a sledding hill in the colder months and the athletic field and track are used for community recreation.

Local residents and visitors walk their dogs, push their children in strollers, and set up lawn chairs on the grass to watch sporting events during warmer weather.

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

2 miles

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

arge expanses of parks and open spaces are within a thirty minute drive of the Worcester city limits, contributing to the health of the region. Within the city of Worcester, many smaller parks and open spaces create a network of urban green space.

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

L

N

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Nearby Parks & Open Spaces

4/30

T

he western focal area looks out to the west on a commercial strip along West Boylston Street. Due to the Asian longhorned beetle infestation, the maple trees that once created a vegetated buffer along this strip were removed, exposing the campus to a full view of the commercial area. An oak allee lines the main drive, creating a desirable formal entrance experience.

Residential neighborhoods have views of increased traffic from the campus loop road. Car lights and noise from loop road traffic is of concern to residents.

Urban Residential

Design Implications: Focal area designs should create a softened streetscape and also serve to frame views into and out of campus.

Opportunities to create more privacy for neighbors on the urban residential sides should be explored.

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

View down the main drive toward the entrance

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

Spring 2009

West B o

ylston

Street

Commercial

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Aerial image taken from Internet sources.

Panoramic view of the western campus edge and main entrance overlooking a commercial strip

N View toward the west of campus from Amy’s memorial site, a place of contemplation at the top of the sledding hill.

View to the south of a vacant lot bordering an urban residential area. Neighbors are exposed to lights and noise from loop road.

Views & Surroundings

5/30

T

Fuller Student Center where concerts, festivals, eating, studying, and playing take place.

The grotto maintains a formal look

Design Implications: Because of the expected heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic, designs should direct movement through the landscape, provide screening where necessary, and maintain a welcoming feel to gathering areas.

Fuller Student Center Patio

B A Large arge oak shows damage from the ice storm.

C A D

F

E

North Hall of Administration Building

D

Western Drop-off

West B

oylsto

n Stre

et

View to th the Administration Building through shrubs and a crab-apple

0

50

100 ft.

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

C

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

B

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

Spring 2009

he western drop-off focal area is a mostly level, centrally located activity hub between the main entrance to the Administration Building and the Fuller Student Center. The space is used for occasional concerts and festivals and daily as a place to eat, study, and play. A new function as a vehicular drop-off area adds pedestrian and vehicular traffic to this area.

Renovations to the Administration Building will create a new main entrance for visitors and students. A vegetated grotto, a religious relict from Assumption College, creates an area of quiet respite on the eastern edge of the focal area.

N E Administration Building Administr 0

100

F Southwest outhwest corner of grotto at site of future plaza

200 ft.

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Western Drop-off Focal Area Analysis

6/30

Spring 2009

Surprenant Hall

Ahlfors Hall

Fuller Student Center

Main Entrance

Harrington Learning Center

Athletic Center

Lighting: The campus has adequate lighting for pedestrians and

h Driveway Burncoat Nort

vehicles on main roads, but it would not be adequate if pedestrian paths were added along the western slope.

Design Implications: If additional lighting is desired for paths designed away from the loop road, care should be given to minimize effects on residential neighborhoods and wildlife.

Sledding Hill ad

n Ro

tio ump

Ass

Administration Building

Legend Two-way traffic One-way traffic

Main entrance into Administration Building Light poles

son R

Public transportation stop (old)

Emer

Public transportation stop (new)

oad

Pedestrian traffic

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

West B

oylst

on St

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

reet

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

Design Implications: Designs should use materials that withstand heavy traffic and create a welcoming feel which draws people through the landscape. Designs should also increase the opportunity for pedestrian circulation to areas that currently do not offer any.

Maintenance Building

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Access & Circulation: The new loop road creates a more pedestrian-friendly campus by removing the main driveway that currently bisects the campus, pushing vehicular circulation to the periphery of campus. The road is primarily one-way in order to lessen the amount of traffic and limit impervious surfaces. A dropoff area, which has a new public transportation stop used by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) on the western side of campus, creates easy access to the buildings. Because of this stop, fewer pedestrians will need to walk up from West Boylston Street, where the old stop was located. All students are provided with a WRTA transit pass in an effort to decrease the number of vehicles on campus.

N

Child Study Center

oad

all R

Rand

0

100

200 ft.

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Access, Circulation, & Lighting Analysis

7/30

Maintenance Building

Stree ylston

N

Infiltration Basin

Fuller Student Center

Wind Speed (knots) 21+

W

Ahlfors Hall

E

17-21 11-16 7-10

S

4-6 1-3

Typical winds experienced in Worcester over the course of a year.

Stone Wall

Sledding Hill

Administration Building

Legend 0-3% slope (appropriate for parking)

N

3-8% slope (ADA compliant)

Child Study Center

8-10% slope (navigable over a short distance on foot) 10%+ slope (difficult to navigate)

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

Design Implications: Steep terrain makes the college difficult for pedestrians to navigate. Designs should work with the contours to create pathways that are less than 8% slope to create more comfortable walking conditions and comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

Wind Rose

West Bo

The terrain varies from areas with 0% slope (appropriate for parking areas) to steep slopes over 10% (difficult to navigate on foot). Steep terrain (over 10%) can be seen in bands mostly where re-grading for the new loop road has taken place such as along the top of the sledding hill. Such steep terrain contributes to severe stormwater run-off and erosion as well as difficulties in navigating the site easily. A newly constructed stone wall (shown in green on the map) in this area creates a drastic vertical face when looking at the college from West Boylston Street.

t

Slope: Most of the QCC campus slopes down towards the west.

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

Surprenant Hall

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Each dashed line of the circle shows 2% frequency of the speed of wind during the year. For example this shows that about 4% of the wind was 11-16 knots coming from the northnortheast during the year.

Design Implications: Because QCC is exposed to north-northwest winter winds and much of its vegetation is deciduous, which does not block as well in the winter, it is important to protect the campus and incorporate wind blocks.

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

Spring 2009

Wind: The region has winter winds predominantly from the north and northwest and stronger winds from the south in the summer. Due to the position of the campus—near a ridge line— Quinsigamond Community College experiences gusty winds yearround.

0

100 ft.

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Wind & Slope Analysis

8/30

P

670 660 650 640 630 620 610 600 590 580

A

A

West Boylston Street

A' Loop Road

Drop-Off Loop

Administration Building

0

50 ft.

Section A - A'

A'

Street edge starts at 580' in elevation. The Administration Building is at 610' in elevation.

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

Elevation in Feet

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

Spring 2009

edestrian circulation from West Boylston Street to the dropoff loop road is limited to sidewalks lining the steep (11%) main drive. There are no existing paths on the lawn. A public transit bus stop at the intersection of the main entrance and West Boylston Road has been moved to the western drop-off loop at the top of the slope to provide a more direct access point for buildings and to eliminate the steep climb up the main drive for pedestrians.

N

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Detail: Slope & Circulation Cross-section

9/30

ac

ks

to

ne

Ri

ve

West Bo

ylston

Stree

t

r

Connecticut

Rhode Island

Blackstone River Watershed

T

he western campus edge sits along a 200-foot River Protection Area for Weasel Brook, which is one of the brooks and wetlands forming the headwaters for the Blackstone River.

The campus has steeply sloped terrain and approximately 40% impervious surfaces; consequently, large volumes of untreated stormwater drain into the Blackstone River, directly affecting water quality.

Legend

Design Implications: Water infiltration and treatment on the QCC campus affects the greater community and Blackstone River Watershed. Vegetated buffers and catchment systems that absorb and treat stormwater before it leaves the campus will protect the health of the watershed.

0

400

800 ft.

100’ Wetland Buffer 200’ River Protection area

A 100-foot wetland buffer, required by the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, ensures that the area around Weasel Brook will be protected.

Spring 2009

Focal Area

QCC Property Lines

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

Bl

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Massachusetts

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

Worcester

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

Aerial image taken from Internet sources.

Weasel Brook

Quinsigamond Community College

N Sign on storm drain adjacent to the campus

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Hydrology in Context

10/30

Spring 2009

Stree ylston West Bo

Fuller Student Center

Administration Building

Legend

Parking Area

Water connects with City of Worcester underground drain pipes Water enters pipe

Sledding Hill

Drain New underground pipe Direction of drainage

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

Harrington Learning Center Ahlfors Hall

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

Surprenant Hall

t

Impervious surfaces cover nearly 40% of the campus. Untreated stormwater drains off the site towards Weasel Brook. Because it is untreated, sediments and toxins from the campus create a polluted mix that affects ecosystems downstream (see sheet 10, Hydrology in Context).

Design Implications: Designs should utilize rainwater for watering vegetation on campus and treat stormwater run-off through bioremediation or phytoremediation methods. Increasing infiltration through the use of rain gardens and additional vegetation are also important. Infiltration basins and drainage systems in between the Administration Building and parking area (to the east of the focal area) have been proposed and if implemented would greatly decrease the amount of runoff entering the focal area from up-slope, thereby lessening untreated stormwater running off campus into the Blackstone River.

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

tormwater on the QCC campus drains mainly to the west.

During the new loop road construction, a network of underground pipes was installed to channelize drainage along the northern loop road as well as on the northern side of the sledding hill. Infiltration basins downslope from most of the impervious surfaces hold stormwater; overflow goes to a retention basin on the north lawn.

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

S

Maintenance Building

N

Retention basin Underground infiltration basin

The areas shown in gray are impervious surfaces, making up 40% of the campus.

0

100 ft.

Child Study Center Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Drainage Analysis

11/30

3:30 p.m. here is some shade cast by the Administration Building and vegetation on the western slope in the early morning, especially in the winter months, but this is minimal. The western slope for the most part receives ample sun year-round. Winter sun assists the melting of snow and ice on pedestrian pathways and roads, which reduces the need for salt and chemicals.

September

9:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

January

9:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m.

3:30 p.m.

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Design Implications: The focal area should be designed for full sun except under tree canopies. Plant choices should reflect light conditions. Rooftops with southern exposure provide optimal conditions for use of photovoltaic panels and should be considered for energy production.

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

T

Spring 2009

1:00 p.m.

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

9:00 a.m.

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

May

N

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Sun & Shadow Analysis

12/30

A

RdA

Design Implications: Soil patterns and conditions should inform plant selection. Nitrogen-fixing plants and those that are stabilizing and deep rooting may help ameliorate some of the soil issues. Plants specifically useful in phytoremediation, such as bulrushes and certain sedges, should also be considered.

Ur

PaB PaC

PdC

0

100 ft.

Source: Natural Resource Conservation Service Soil Survey for Worcester, MA.

Legend PaC-Paxton fine sandy loam 8-15% PaB-Paxton fine sandy loam 3-8% PdC-Paxton Urban land complex 8-15% Ud-Udorthents, smoothed Ur-Urban land

Soil mound contaminated with arsenic and copper once located behind Administration Building. During construction this pile was leveled and used as fill elsewhere on site.

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

Ud

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Soil compaction from construction and traffic, both pedestrian and vehicular, has decreased soil fertility, affected soil structure, and reduced the ability for the soil to absorb stormwater.

Compounding the soil-compaction challenges, heavy metal contamination in some soils is a health risk and potentially affects downstream ecosystems. Further soil testing should be done on the entire campus.

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

Spring 2009

mixture of fine sandy loams and urban fill makes up the soils of the Worcester region, which is reflected on the QCC campus. Paxton soils, deep and well drained glacial deposits, are the majority of soils found on site. Ridgebury soil, at the base of the western slope, is poorly drained. The fine sandy loam and slope categories shown on this graphic, generally, reflect the slope patterns on site. The urban soils resulted from grading and filling as the site was developed. Additionally, previous use as an orchard contributes to current arsenic and copper contamination of the soil.

N

RdA-Ridgebury fine sandy loam 0-3% Contaminated soil mound Property Line Focal Area Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Soils Analysis

13/30

Mulched ornamental planting on the edge of a hemlock grove

Mown Lawn

Design Implications: Designs should create a more welcoming entrance, restore the streetscape and campus canopy, and restore soil quality to its pre-construction state. Increasing nesting opportunities and food supplies for wildlife is additionally important. Vegetation choices should result in reduced maintenance and resource use (water, energy, chemicals).

Harrington Learning Ahlfors Center Hall

Fuller Student Center

Athletic Goldfinches enjoy Center feasting on seeds of grasses.

Chipping sparrows eat a variety of insects found in healthy soils.

Eastern cottontails like to munch on clover, bluegrass, and wild rye.

Administration Building Northern mockingbirds require low dense vegetations for habitat.

Sledding Hill

Remnant oak allee lining the main drive

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

Surprenant Hall

Due to an infestation of the Asian longhorned beetle, a recent winter ice storm, and current construction of the loop road, much of the campus vegetation has been disturbed, removed, transplanted, or damaged. This has been particularly harmful for species of birds, mammals, and insects supported by campus vegetation.

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

Maintenance Building

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

xisting vegetation consists of large areas of mown lawn which separate island plantings, tree allees, groves, and ornamental clusters near buildings, entrances, and gathering areas.

Isolated plantings surrounded by large areas of lawn diminish cohesiveness. The grounds are well maintained. Plantings are adequately mulched, and new vegetation is planted annually after graduation using plants from the ceremony. Maintenance for the lawn has a high energy and labor cost with two people mowing four days a week during the growing season.

Spring 2009

Wildlife images taken from Internet sources.

E

N

Legend Existing deciduous tree

Hemlock grove compromised due to construction, which removed over 50% of the original grove

Existing conifer groves

Western slope island planting

Mown lawn

0

100

200 ft.

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Vegetation & Wildlife Analysis

14/30

Maintenance Building

•

e

g Draina

•

Surprenant Hall

• •

Steep

• Ahlfors Hall

Drainag e Draina ge

Fuller Student Center

Harrington Learning Center

Damage from a winter ice storm, loss of trees infested with Asian longhorned beetle, and vegetation compromised from construction has left the campus unusually exposed. The conditions seen on the map—heavy traffic, problematic drainage and stormwater run-off (contributing to erosion), steep slopes and ample sun—create a need for protection from these elements.

Athletic Center

Design Implications: Designs should create welcoming and legible entry experience using durable materials and native plantings in order to withstand heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic and sunny, steep conditions. Designs should also ease navigation across steep slopes and provide protection from winds.

ge

on St

reet

Draina

West B

oylst

Drainage

Drainage

Steep

Drainage

Administration Building

Legend Existing trees, groves, allees ge

Draina

Heavily trafficked area Sunny Hub of activity

N

Child Study Center

0

100

200 ft.

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

Cold No North-Northwest rth-Northwest Winter Winds & Windy indy Year-Round

steep terrain to the west blustery winter winds prevailing from the north and northwest drainage both channelized underground and sheeting to the west circulation centering around the main entrance and western loop drop-off full sun on most of the western slope all year vegetation in groves and island plantings and large areas of mown lawn well drained soils on most of campus

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

• •

Drainage

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

Q

CC’s existing conditions consist of:

Spring 2009

Residential

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Commercial

Residential Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Summary Analysis

15/30

T

The materials chosen should match existing hardscapes.

The use of regional materials reduces transportation and energy costs. Reuse and repurpose materials from campus loop road construction.

The campus should provide educational opportunities for students and residents.

The campus should provide open space for recreation, socialization and contemplation.

The campus should exemplify a concern for the wellbeing of the Worcester Community by implementing designs that support the present and future ecosystems of plant, animal and human populations.

Plant no more than 10% of a species for diversity and resilience (supports the Worcester Tree Initiative guidelines for ALB quarantine areas) Plant in groves and masses, connect isolated specimen plantings to increase cohesion and legibility and preserve wildlife habitat Use native plants and those known to perform well in Worcester (use reliable sources such as Tower Hill Botanical Garden) Reclaim materials on site such as unearthed stone, granite curbs, etc.

Plant steep slopes for erosion control Plant close to stormwater basins to assist with infiltration (elements such as rain gardens provide an educational opportunity) Use vegetation to screen areas with vehicles (use sources such as the Worcester Zoning Guidelines for suggested distances) Use plants and materials that provide year-round interest and habitat—bark, berries, flowers, leaves, unique shapes Plant to create shade during hot months and not block winter sun Plantings and hardscapes should be multifunctional—permeable pavers, seating walls, edible screening plants Use species resistant to Asian long-horned beetle and other well-known pests or diseases (see planting plan beginning on page 24) Use “No-Mow” turf and ground covers to lessen mowing maintenance demands on energy and labor

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

SUSTAINABILITY

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

SOCIAL CONNECTION

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

MATERIALS

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

PLANTS

Plants should be native species chosen for seasonal interest, wildlife food and habitat, resilience and diversity.

Plants should also require low maintenance. Vegetation masses should create unifying patterns that should be repeated throughout the campus.

Spring 2009

he following design principles, grouped under the plants, materials, social connection, and sustainability categories, reflect the overall project goals and are used to evaluate the design criteria below. Colored circles next to the criteria indicate which categories are addressed.

N

Plant the turf strips between parking lots (refer to Worcester Zoning Guidelines for vegetation use for large off-street parking areas) Create a unified landscape by repeating plant and hardscape elements throughout campus

Design Principles

16/30

Adds northern and southern pedestrian access from West Boylston Street and pathways on western slope SSurprenan nt Hall

Provides park-like pedestrian pathways with seating and vegetative borders to screen vehicular noise and views Creates legibility through familiar formal elements, such as restoring the West Boylston Street allee and framing thoroughfares to invite use

M “No-Mow” Turf

Fuller Student Center

ton Ahlfo A orss Harringto Learning g Halll Center

Requires maintenance for formal look (pruning, edging, etc.)

Exposes memorial sites to wind and sun

Legend Plaza

Limits options for traversing the slope (for example, no direct routes from memorials to West Boylston Street)

Existing deciduous tree Proposed deciduous tree

“No-Mow” Turf

M

Administratiion Building

Pedestrian circulation Existing conifer groves

Sledding Hill

Proposed conifer trees Meadow Plantings

M

Memorial

Child Study Center 0

100

200 ft.

Spring 2009

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

Creates plaza experience by adding elements for sitting and vegetation along walkway from western drop-off to grotto

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

Maintenance Building

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

resenting a more traditional framework, this alternative design restores the trees once lining the street edge, maintains open spaces without the need for mowing by using “No-Mow” turf or meadow, and enhances gathering spaces near the western drop-off. Sustainability is less addressed in this design compared to the designs on the succeeding pages.

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

P

N Sketch detail for the entrance of campus along West Boylston Street. The design reclaims and reuses the stone wall that was taken down during the widening of the entrance, but adds a softer vegetated look.

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Alternative: Formal Meets Informal

17/30

Maintenance Building

Increases stormwater infiltration with rain garden Provides seating area protected from street and wind, at bottom of sledding hill behind berms Separates campus from commercial strip and provides buffer from traffic noise and views Announces campus by placement of stone wall with signs at the northwestern and southwestern corners

Surprenantt Hall

Spring 2009

Stone Wall

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

his design changes the formal look of the campus and adds berms and plantings to define the campus edge, draw visitors through the landscape, and provide protection for open spaces.

Two new paths create access from West Boylston Street into lawn areas.

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

T

Harring g on gt n Learnin ng Cente err e

Meadow

Seating area

Athletic Center

Creates potential risk for sled riders who may hit the berm and go onto West Boylston Street

Legend Existing deciduous tree

“No-Mow�

Turf

Stone Wall

Limits main pathways accessing campus to sidewalks along entrance road

Proposed deciduous tree

M

Administratio on Building

Rain Garden Pedestrian circulation

Sledding Hill

Existing conifer groves Proposed conifer trees Meadow Plantings

0

100

200 ft.

Child Sttud dy Center err e

M

Memorial

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

M

Fuller Rain Student Garden Center Ahlfforrs Ha all

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Provides less wildlife habitat than Tapestry alternative Berm

N Sketch detail showing the southwestern corner stone wall with planting

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Alternative: Boylston Berms

18/30

Protects from northwestern winter winds using vegetative blocks Provides most plant diversity, meadows, wildlife habitat, and rain gardens Creates unique and pleasant experiences with entrance pergola and boardwalk

Surprenantt Hall

Reduces mowing maintenance

Rain Garden Boardwalk

M

Increases expense due to widespread plantings and multiple paths Fuller Harrington n A ors Student Ahlfo Learning Halll Center Center

Pergola

“No-Mow�

Turf

Athleticc Centerr

Decreases overall legibility of campus through use of many plant communities

Legend Existing deciduous tree Proposed deciduous tree

M Sledding Hill

Rain garden Administration n Building

Pedestrian circulation Existing conifer groves Proposed conifer trees Meadow Plantings

M Child Stud u y Centerr 0

100

Memorial Sketch detail showing the loop drop-off with a pergola and additional plantings. A stone and boulder seating wall gives commuters a place to sit outside while waiting.

200 ft.

Spring 2009

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

Increases pedestrian access and circulation by adding more pathways

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

Maintenance Building

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

athway networks and planting masses establish a design alternative with a more natural, less formal feel. Diverse native plantings create a tapestry of seasonal interest formed from meadows, understory trees, shrubs and evergreens.

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

P

N

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Alternative: Tapestry

19/30

Increases pedestrian access and circulation by adding the greatest length (approximately 2200 feet) of pathways Protects memorials and western drop-off area from northwestern winter winds

M

Adds native plant diversity, which increases resilience, and rain gardens to decrease stormwater runoff Fullerr SSttudent t t Ce C ent n er

Ahlfor A orrs Hall

Harrington H Lear a niing C nter Ce

Athle etic Cent Ce ntter

Creates unique experience with boardwalk and path network through meadow and rain garden Creates cohesive, legible landscape with repetition of plant groupings Diminishes potential for increased stormwater infiltration by keeping the sledding hill as “No Mow” instead of using plants that uptake more water Increases maintenance and initial installation cost by additional hardscapes (keeping snow and ice off in the winter) and additional vegetation (pruning, watering, etc.)

“No-Mow” M Turf

Sledding Hill

Ad A dmini n stra rati t on B ilding Bu n

Legend Mixed deciduous allee Proposed conifer trees

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

Surprenant Hall

Boardwalk with overlook

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

lending a formal look to the south of the entrance drive with a more natural landscape and elements of interest to the north of the drive, this design uses a traditional streetscape as a frame to unify contrasting styles. Additionally, a universally accessible path going from the northwestern corner of the site to the western drop-off provides a way for all persons to navigate the slope.

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

B

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Universally accessible pathway

Spring 2009

Maintena anc nce Bu B uil i ding

N

Meadow Shrub plantings

M

Memorial

Plaza view looking northeast towards the grotto from the Administration Building illustrates rain garden surrounded with benches. The Harrington Learning Center is in the background.

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Chil i d Studyy C nter Ce e

0

100

200 ft.

Preferred Design: Framed Contrasts

20/30

Fuller Student Center

Spring 2009 The sketch detail to the left shows a littleleaf linden tree allee going north from the plaza and grotto area toward the Fuller Student Center. The pedestrian streetscape is softened, inviting people to stroll down the road.

Honey locust allee

Grotto

Plaza

Administration Building 50

A'

0

100 ft.

Key Plan

Elevation in feet

Western Drop-off

The cross-section illustrates how the design creates vegetative buffers around vehicle areas. Places to sit and pedestrian pathways create a plaza-like experience.

690 680 670 660 650 640 630 620 610

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

Hemlock grove

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

White oak allee

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

Ahlfors Hall

300' crushed gravel universally accessible (5% sloped) path meanders down the western slope from the drop-off, passing through a meadow before crossing the loop road. Large boulders punctuate the landscape along the path and hayscented fern, sweetfern and low-bush blueberry create bands of color for seasonal interest and wildlife habitat. The meadow, shrubs, and other plantings increase stormwater infiltration and lessen erosion.

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

A

A

N

600 590

A

Administration Building

Western Drop-off

Universally accessible path through meadow

Loop Road

A'

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Preferred Design Detail: Western Drop-off

21/30

Boardwalk and overlook

Surprenant Hall Inkberry

Fragrant sumac Red pine grove A'

Rain garden

Winterberry

A

The row of trees bordering West Boylston Street restores the formal feel to the campus while unifying the streetscape and buffering people on the western slopes from the noise, fumes and traffic on the busy street. The main entrance stone gates reuse materials from the historic stone gates of QCC.

Fragrant sumac

Tornado memorial Crabapple Rhododendron Loop road

Winterberry & Rhododendron

Universally accessible upper pathway

Main entrance Winterberry & Rhododendron

Spring 2009

Surprenant Hall supports a wind turbine, photovoltaic panels, and a green roof. These elements serve to create energy, stabilize the building’s internal temperature, decrease stormwater run-off, and create habitat for wildlife. Further research into the building’s ability to support the structures is necessary as well as a more detailed study on the wind speed and direction in this specific area.

Elevation in feet 690 680

White oak allee

670 660 650

Surprenant Hall

640 630 620 610

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

Universally accessible upper pathway

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

Lower pathway

Northwestern Slope

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

row of red oak, tupelo, sweet gum, and swamp oak trees

Key Plan

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

T

he final design for the northwestern slope increases pedestrian circulation through a network of new pathways. The upper path, east of the rain garden, is 550' in length while the path west of the rain garden is 730', including the boardwalk that connects the two paths. The boardwalk crosses over a large (110’ x 35’) rain garden, and has an overlook and benches for contemplation.

Additionally, the rain garden provides an educational opportunity for demonstrating the importance of catching and treating stormwater through infiltration.

N

600 590

A 0

50

100 ft.

Green Roof, PV Panels, Wind Turbine

Loop Road

Path

Boardwalk over Rain Garden

West Boylston Street

A'

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Preferred Design Detail: Northwestern Slope

22/30

T

Sledding Hill Administration Building

Path Row of red oak, tupelo, sweetgum and swamp oak

Stone Wall Honey locust row

Benches A Stone Wall

Eastern red pines Path

Hemlock Grove

A'

Pedestrian paths lead to benches which are tucked into an Eastern red pine grove.

The benches create a gathering space for observing wildlife and activities on the sledding hill. Two sinuous routes up the steep western slope decrease the difficulty of the walk from West Boylston Street to the Administration Building or Amy’s memorial. The slope of the walk is reduced from 22% to 8%.

View looking south at the benches hugged

by Eastern red pines along the sledding hill Key Plan

Stone Wall Bayberry and winterberry shrubs

Path

Red oaks 0

50

100 ft.

Sledding Hill

The sledding hill design creates spaces for people to sit and enjoy activities and the natural surroundings, which are created by increased planting for wildlife habitat and screening.

Administration Building

Elevation in feet 640 630 620 610 600

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

Littleleaf linden

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

West Bo

Serviceberry

Amy’s memorial

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

ylston

Stree

t

QCC sign

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

he main goals for designing the southwest edge of the campus are to soften and unify the landscape through swaths of plantings and groves, buffer the sledding hill from noise, traffic views, and fumes from the road, and increase pedestrian pathways. Increased plantings and trees also increase stormwater infiltration. The vegetation also improves the campus experience for the college community, visitors, and local community residents by creating a more park-like feel and provides important wildlife habitat.

Serviceberry

Meadow mix

Spring 2009

Crab-apple

N

590 580

A

Stone Wall

Path Benches

Path

Path

Path

A' West Boylston Street

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Preferred Design Detail: Sledding Hill

23/30

Muhlenbergia capillaris Eupatorium sp.

Liatris spicata Lupine perennis Sorghastrum nutans

Interesting Features

can maintain shape in strong winds

grass

6'

Muhly grass

grass

1'-3'

pink fall color

perennial perennial perennial grass

4'-7' 4' 3' 3'-5'

pollinator attractor butterfly attractor violet blue bloom provides wildlife cover

perennial

6'

wildlife attractor

perennial perennial

5' 4'

bright red bloom wildlife attractor

grass

3'-8'

Joe-pye weed Blazing star Wild lupine Indiangrass Purple coneEchinacea purpurea flower Lobelia cardinalis Cardinalflower Baptisia australis Blue wild indigo Saccharum Sugarcane giganteum plumegrass Maryland golden Chrysopsis mariana aster Phlox caroliniana Carolina phlox Coreopsis pubescens Downy coreopsis

perennial

1.5'-2'

perennial perennial

3' 2'

Asclepias tuberosa

Butterflyweed

perennial

3'

Little bluestem

grass

3'-8'

Mistflower

perennial

3'

pollinator attractor

Ironweed

perennial

5'

pollinator attractor

Schizachyrium scoparium Conoclinium coelestrinum Vernonia noveboracensis

A meadow mix in bloom.

Spring 2009

Height

Switchgrass

T

he table to the right lists plants that are appropriate for meadow areas noted on the preferred design. Meadow composition should consist of 60%-80% grasses. Seed mixes are an option, available from nurseries, such as Prairie Nursery in Westfield, Wisconsin or Ernst Conservation Seeds in Meadville, Pennsylvania; however, when using these mixes, species distribution is random. Using the plants listed to the right will allow for greater control over distribution as well as colors and heights.

Type of Plant

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

Panicum virgatum

Common Name

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

Botanical Name

fills in an area well fills in an area well, pollinator attractor can tolerate dry conditions pollinator attractor butterfly larvae host and attractor screens and fills an area well

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

A strip of mown turf frames the meadow edge and keeps a wellmaintained look

Meadow Plants

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

he planting plan builds on the criteria and principles set forth on sheet 16. Plants were chosen with specific attention to their ability to attract wildlife, fix nitrogen, bioremediate, screen, shade, add year-round interest, and frame views.

Swaths of similar vegetation tie sections of the QCC landscape together and the plant combinations used in the following plans can be replicated throughout campus. These are broad planting suggestions for meadows, understory plantings, and other large areas in the focal area. “No Mow� turf and meadow areas lessen the amount of mowing needed.

Images are taken from Internet sources.

T

N

Planting Plan

24/30

Bayberry

shrub

10-12’

Itea virginica ‘Henry’s Garnet’ Arctostaphylos uvaursi ‘Massachusetts’ Vaccinium angustifolium Fothergilla gardenii ‘Blue Mist’ Rhus aromatica ‘Grolow’

Virginia sweetspire

shrub

4'-6'/4'-6'

groundcover

.5'

+ QA

Fuller Student Center

NS

Nyssa sylvatica

Black gum

tree

75'

Brilliant red fall foliage

Shade tree and protective cover for habitat

Meadow DP

SS

DP

+ + LS

VA

+

TC

LS

Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Rotundiloba’

Fruitless sweetgum

tree

40'

Spring yellow-green bloom

Supports wildlife

QR

Quercus rubra

Red oak

tree

90'

Spring green foliage

QA

Quercus alba

White oak

tree

100'

Spring green foliage

QC

Quercus coccinea

Scarlet oak

tree

80'

Spring green foliage

M

Malus spp. ‘Donald Wyman’

Crab-apple

tree

15'/15'

Cp

Comptonia peregrina

Sweetfern

shrub

1'-4'

+

+ QR

+

DP

Dennstaedtia punctilobula

groundcover

1'-1.5'

TC

Tilia cordata

Hayscented fern Little leaf linden

tree

70'/50'

Switchgrass

grass, sedge, rush

6'

Serviceberry

tree

40'/20'

AC

IV

+ TC

Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ Amalanchier canadensis ‘Autumn Brilliance’

Lowbush blueberry Dwarf fothergilla

Red fruit, evergreen

Early summer white bloom; red fall color April - May fragrant shrub 2-3'/2-3' white bloom April - May yellow Fragrant sumac groundcover 1'-2'/6'-10' bloom; red fall color shrub

2'/2'-3'

Early spring bloom, white Small catkins, deciduous, fern-like Light green fronds, deciduous Fragrant bloom Sturdy blades, herbaceous fall orange color

Winter interest; medicinal uses Food and cover for wildlife Deep textured green foliage, protective cover for wildlife Useful in stabilizing soils

Shade tree and produces acorns for wildlife Shade tree and produces acorns for wildlife Shade tree and produces acorns for wildlife Red fruit; salt tolerant Can be used to make potpourri and tea, edible fruit Useful in covering large areas, soft appearance useful in screening; tolerates poor soil; attracts pollinators wind resistant, useful in screening fruit and coverage for wildlife; edible fruit

White bloom

Chl PV GT

+

QR

FG

+ LS

IV AC

+ +

AC

Pv

+

+ proposed

+

+

+ Key for vegetation

+

+

PV

+ M + QC + + M

+

AU

IV QA

+

+

CP

+

+

+

GT

Meadow

G GT

Bearberry

Lowbush blueberry

Dwarf fothergilla

Bearberry

Black gum

Crab-apple

Hayscented Fern

White oak

Fragrant sumac

Bayberry

Sweetfern

Scarlet oak

Virginia sweetspire

Administration Building

AU 0

25

50 ft.

The western drop-off is the heart of the planting guide. Planting patterns seen here are repeated throughout the rest of the focal area, creating a unified appearance.

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

Myrica pensylvanica

Spring 2009

MP

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

70'/50'

RA

Hemlock Grove

Fast growth rate, tolerates poor Fragrant, cream blooms quality, compacted soil; fixes in late spring nitrogen Screening and winter interest, Nitrogen-fixing roots, wax on berries can be used to evergreen make candles Fragrant tassel flowers Attracts pollinators and other in spring wildlife

tree

FG

+

Functions

Honeylocust

VA

MP

Features and blooms

Gleditsia triacanthos ‘Shademaster’

AU

Chl

Height/ Spread

GT

IV

RA

Type of Plant

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

Chl

Common Name

Images are taken from Internet sources.

RA

Botanical Name

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Map Key

N

Honey locust

Switchgrass

Little leaf linden

Red oak

White pine

Serviceberry

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Planting Plan Detail: Western Drop-off

25/30

Iv

Iris versicolor

CL

Coreopsis lanceolata

JE

Juncus effusus ‘solutus’

HN Chl

JE CS

Sweet gum

PC White pine

Mixed perennials of Sn, CL, HN, & Ac

Swamp oak Chl SD CS

SM SD Red oak

Mixed perennials of Lc, Iv, Ac, & CL

SA

Overlook

Boardwalk

Chl

JE

MA SM

Mixed perennials of Lc, Iv, Ac, & CL

OS

LL

PC

PC

• •

SD SD

Chl

CQ

Chl

•

RS Chl 25 ft.

nectar source for butterflies and insects

perennial

2'-4'

July - October red bloom

hummingbird attractor

perennial

3'-4'

Late summer bloom

bee attractor

perennial

1'-2.5

April - June yellow bloom

butterfly attractor

grass, sedge, rush

4'

March - September bloom

provides food for birds, facilitates substrate oxidation, phytoremediation, filters suspended solids

Sun rose

perennial

1'-2'

Sea oats

grass, sedge, rush

4'

perennial

2'

tree

60'

shrub

18'/6'

shrub

8'-12'/9'-10'

grass, sedge, rush

5'

Lamp rush

Sensitive fern Tamarack larch

LL

Larix laricina

SD

Salix discolor

CS

Cornus sericea

SM

Scirpus microcarpus

SA

Symphoricarpos albus Snowberry

shrub

Pc

Physocarpus capitatus

Ac

Aquilegia canadensis

CQ

Camassia quamash

RS

Ribes sanguineum

Place taller vegetation in the center of planting or against a vertical (slope or wall) if applicable Use a variety of sizes Bloom times and colors should vary Less wet-tolerant plants should be on edges

Pussy willow Red-osier dogwood Panicled bulrush

Pacific ninebark Red columbine Hollyleaved barberry Wild hyacinth Red flowering currant

Late spring, early summer velvet foliage and bold blooms bloom Late summer bloom; broad hosts butterfly larvae, food for birds leaves and small mammals deciduous; spreads well and covers Spring green fronds large areas Evergreen conifer, yellow attracts many species of birds fall foliage uptakes soil contaminants; Late winter fuzzy bloom bioremediation Late May bloom, red bark

butterfly larvae host and bird attractor

Spikelets

bird attractor

18' / 8'

White bloom and berries

important shelter and food for birds and small mammals

shrub

13' / 13'

White bundled blooms

provides cover for wildlife

perennial

1'-3'

shrub

8'/6'

perennial

1.5'-2'

shrub

10' /6'

March - July red/yellow bloom

nectar source for butterflies and insects deep burgundy winter foliage, attracts Late spring yellow bloom birds, has medicinal use drought tolerant and food for Mid-late spring blue bloom pollinators useful in restoration plantings, food May - June pink bloom for numerous birds, small mammals, butterflies, and insects

Pussy willow

Sun rose

Red flowering currant

Cardinalflower

Hollyleaved barberry

Red columbine

Ninebark

Red-osier dogwood

Sea oats

Snowberry

Wild hyacinth

New England aster

N Blue flag

0

Late summer pink/purple bloom

Onoclea sensibilis

All plant suggestions in the design shown to the left are proposed. Possible layout for rain garden plants. Plant guilds can be repeated on other areas on campus using the following guidelines.

•

3'-6'

OS

MA Mahonia aquifolium

JE RS

Black gum

Helianthemum nummularium Chasmanthium latifolium

perennial

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

Lobelia cardinalis

Functions

Spring 2009

Lc

Bloom/Foliage

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

Red oak

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

Type of Plant Height/Spread

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

SA

Sn

Common Name New England aster Cardinal flower Blue flag Tickseed sunflower

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Chl

Botanical Name

Images are taken from Internet sources.

Map Key

Tickseed sunflower

Lamp rush

Sensitive fern

Tamarack larch

Panicled bulrush

Not for construction. This drawing is part of a student project and is not based on a legal survey.

Planting Plan Detail: Rain Garden

26/30

E

Stone wall with sign on QCC campus

Allee of trees pedestrian walkway on Jacksonville Univsity campus Rain garden bioswale Stone wall and sign

Meadow with conifer background Streetscape lined with trees

Use of rocks in planting Meadow with mown edge

Meadow showing seasonal bloom

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

www.embassylandscape.com

Formal rain garden in an urban development

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Images are taken from Internet sources.

Spring 2009

xamples of rain gardens, stone walls, walkways, streetscapes, meadows and use of landscape rock illustrate design precedents for Quinsigamond Community College. These elements are chosen according to design principles on sheet 16.

N

Use of rocks on QCC campus

Design Precedents

27/30

Metal edging & stakes 2" crushed stone 6" dense aggregate base, extend 6"

Parking lot Drainage

prepared subgrade

Shrubs

18" 18"

Coated metal edging and stakes as per manufacturer’s specs Vegetated buffers between parking areas absorb stormwater and prevent sheeting off parking areas.

Landscape boulders should be placed with at least one-third of boulder below grade. For areas that freeze and thaw, dig a hole eighteen-inches deep and fill with crushed gravel to base level of boulders before placing boulders. Fill around boulders with excavated soil.

Rain Garden Boardwalk

36" hand rail on both sides

.5 ft. Pooling 1.5 ft. Detention/Filtration

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

Canopy

Spring 2009

Plan view of rock formation. Rocks should be aligned in field.

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

Boulder Formation

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

Gravel Path

Vegetative Swale

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

T

his sheet provides details for the construction of elements discussed in designs on the previous sheets. Measurements and other conditions are area specific and require further research.

Proper installation and construction is important for the reliability of structures and to lessen the amount of maintenance needed over time.

N

1 ft. Retention/Recharge Zone A boardwalk over a rain garden allows for a different perspective and an easily navigable path with which to experience the outdoors.

Construction sketch of a rain garden. See Planting Plan on sheet 26 for suggested rain garden plants.

Construction Details

28/30

Increases stormwater infiltration

Higher maintenance may be required to keep asphalt unclogged

$10/sq. ft. includes excavation, materials, and labor to install

Traditional asphalt

Paving

Durable and relatively easy application

Damage to soil ecosystem, prevents infiltration

$4/sq. ft. includes excavation, materials, and labor to install

Concrete

Paving

Durable, relatively inexpensive

Hard, cold look; cracking and breaking cause uneven surfaces

$4-5/sq. ft. includes excavation, materials, and labor to install

Trap Rock Fines

Walkways

Increases stormwater infiltration and has a softer look

Can become weedy, spread outside of $15-20/sq. ft. includes excavation, path, and settle, requiring more material materials, and labor to install

Turfstone

Walkways

Increases stormwater infiltration and has a softer look

Can settle unevenly and if vegetation grows unsuccessfully, can have an undesired look

Reclaimed Stone “No-Mow” Turf

$8/sq. ft. includes excavation, materials, and labor to install

Benches approx. $2,000; boardwalk Temperature change can cause unreliable approx. $50/sq. ft. includes structure excavation, materials, and labor to install

Benches, Varies for labor, installation, and Sustainable, no materials Cribbing on Possibly the wrong sizes or shapes for use construction cost paths Lawn

Low maintenance

Non-traditional look to college

$0.60/sq. ft. includes seed mix

To lessen initial costs, the design can be installed in phases.

Phasing in three stages:

Phase I

Phase I Due to the heavy pedestrian and vehicle use of the western dropoff and because it is the area visitors first experience when going to the Administration Building, it is important to develop this space first.

Phase II The loop road construction has affected this area, leading to increased run-off and erosion. To stabilize the soils and restore vegetation, begin planting as soon as possible. However, since this area does not currently have the pedestrian and vehicular traffic seen in Phase I, hardscape elements are a lower priority.

Phase III

Images are taken from Internet sources.

0

100

200 ft.

Types of materials - (from left to right) first row: turfstone, porous asphalt, wooden trail second row: recycled plastic walkway, “No Mow” turf last row: stone bench, gravel path lined with flowers

Phase III The sledding hill has been least affected by the loop road construction and without the disturbance or heavy traffic seen in Phase I and Phase II areas, can be developed later. However, since wildlife on campus has been diminished, developing Phase III should happen soon after Phase II in order to provide for and reestablish many valuable species.

In all phases it is important to improve wildlife habitat, increase stormwater infiltration, and create a unified landscape.

Cost Estimate and Phasing

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

Phase II

Cost

Spring 2009

Paving

Boardwalk, Reuse of materials Benches

Drawbacks

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

Porous asphalt

Recycled Plastic

Benefits

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

Use

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Material

N

29/30

The above simulation incorporates the preferred alternative design into an aerial image of QCC and its surroundings.

400

800 ft.

Preferred Design in Context

670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01606

Quinsigamond Community College has the advantage of being both an educational center and community open space resource with a landscape that models what it means to be a sustainable campus.

0

Spring 2009

QUINSIGAMOND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Additionally, the campus is committed to becoming a more sustainable school. Last year, the college signed the Presidents Climate Commitment vowing to be a model for the community and other colleges by helping to neutralize global warming (by lessening emissions) and educating people on sustainable practices. As a result, the college has developed a sustainability plan with the initial goals of 1) energy and water conservation, and 2) recycling and waste reduction. The final landscape design supports this plan by incorporating elements to meet those goals. Rain gardens, increased vegetation, diverse plants, and pervious hardscape allow for increased stormwater infiltration, wildlife habitat, and soil fertility. Features, such as green roofs, photovoltaic panels, and wind turbines (detailed on preceding sheets) are options which would develop renewable energy sources, lessen the need for heating and cooling the buildings, and model sustainable practices for the community.

Conway School of Landscape Design 332 South Deerfield Road Conway, MA 01341 Phone: 413-369-4044

Aerial photo taken from Internet sources.

he preferred design set into the existing landscape emphasizes the Quinsigamond Community College campus’ important role as a community education center and community open space.

Lucie Martin & Sarah Mitchell

T

N

30/30