Figure 26 Elements of Physical Master Plan Vision

COURTYARDS

Courtyards are some of the smallest scaled open space types, one that is more intimate and reflects the programs of the adjacent buildings. They are defined by the buildings that frame them. Courtyards present the chance to add variety to the public realm on the campus by each establishing a unique identity. Because of their small size, courtyards can vary in greater degree without diluting the overarching identity of the entire campus.

Key Considerations

• Multiple entrances should open onto the courtyard with at least one external entrance. • Courtyards should be flexible spaces- that provide for passive recreation/activity and on occasion small events. • At-grade uses should be employed to activate the space (either retail, café, or other uses). • Adequate shading should be provided in seating areas as well as ample lighting for night time activities.

Figure 69. Courtyards

GREENS

Greens serve a similar goal as plazas in so much as they are places for gathering. The main distinction lies in materials used. Greens are largely permeable places that can have people linger on them while also providing much needed open space throughout the campus. It extends the green identity of the arboretum to the entirety of campus.

Key Considerations

• In greens that are intended primarily for recreation, there should be a relatively flat grade.

The green located just south of the sports area has an explicit recreation purpose and should be reserved for that use. • Flexible uses should be prioritized so that a multitude of activities can occur, from events to informal gathering. • Consideration around appropriate plantings for the climate must be incorporated into the design.

Figure 70. Greens

ARBORETUM

The arboretum is one of the most beloved parts of campus and yet has few points of connection to it. Students and faculty articulated a stark disconnect between the arboretum and the rest of campus. This plan doesn’t envision significant changes to the arboretum itself, with the only addition of better connections to the entrances (through the green loop). While physical changes are not included, programmatic changes should be considered to better integrate the arboretum into the curriculum of the university. It is an incredible resource and is often read as separate from the university.

Key Considerations

• Improve connections from the main campus through the green loop (potential entrance on the southern most area of the arboretum). • Fence is to be maintained as there is concern around theft. • The arboretum is important to the

Fullerton community beyond just the student body and should be maintained as a community asset.

Figure 71. Arboretum

FRONT PORCHES

A crucial element of this master plan is to break down the artificial barriers that hide the members of the Cal State Fullerton community from each other. This manifests in ground floor transparency of buildings and is focused around a front porch area of every major building.

Key Considerations

• Porches should face onto main axes or the green loop. • The ground floor of the building should have a transparency to it. • The front porches should be designed for lingering through seating components and other activation efforts. • The front porch should have an indication of the building’s programming.

Figure 72. Front Porches

ART AND IDENTITY

Public art should be strategically located throughout the campus to reinforce the Cal State Fullerton identity and communicate the stated values of the institution. 56 percent of student responses said that Art and Cultural artifacts should be used as a way to illustrate Cal State Fullerton’s values. The placement of the art should occur at key nodes to lend itself to the legibility of the campus.

Key Considerations

• Public Art should be strategically spaced so that it does not impede axes but also draws significant attention to the area. • The subject matter could represent the values of the student body, including equity, diversity, and sustainability.

Figure 73. Art and Identity

Mobility

Improving internal campus mobility and external access can kick-start a positive feedback loop of benefits for Cal State Fullerton and the surrounding area. The loop occurs between the functions of trips, parking, and traffic. For example, the impacts of new growth will have to be reviewed as per state regulations (CEQA); reducing the negative impacts of growth (increase in auto trips generated is a major negative impact) will permit the University to experience growth at a healthier rate.

Activation of a TDM Plan facilitates an overall reduction in vehicle trips generated by the University and can serve as CEQA mitigation measures under new CEQA VMT (vehicle miles traveled) protocol. A reduction in overall trips lessens Cal State Fullerton’s impact on the local network, reducing conflicts for nonmotorized modes and inefficiencies for transit and shared ride commuters. Reducing vehicle trips also reduces demand for parking that can save the University significant amounts of fiscal and land resources for uses that are better in line with Cal State Fullerton’s mission. Often, it is less expensive for a university to adequately meet campus access needs through significant TDM investments than expansion of roadway capacity and parking supply to accommodate growth.

In addition, allowing more students to live and accommodate daily needs on campus inherently reduces their trips through internal capture – in addition to positive academic outcomes such as a correlation with increased graduation rates and satisfying the overall objective of creating a 24/7 campus.

MOBILITY GOALS

• Decouple campus growth from increases in VMT and parking demand by providing effective transportation alternatives for accessing campus by means other than driving alone and providing sufficient on-campus or nearby housing and amenities to encourage trips by non-motorized modes.

• Enhance the pedestrian, bicyclist, and transit rider experience by creating an internal circulation network that logically and safely accommodates all users regardless of ability and reduces first/last-mile barriers to improved options for external connectivity.