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Access and Traffic Flows

Map courtesy of Sasaki Associates; further illustration manipulation by R&R Creative

A key decision was to keep the core of the campus tight enough so that all academic and vital student functions are within a 10-minute walk of each other. Most of the parking will gradually be moved out of the campus core to the periphery. Sasaki introduced the idea of "Ithaca quads," framed on three sides by buildings and on the fourth side by views of Cayuga Lake. A new "main street" along the north side of Job Hall to Egbert/Phillips Hall will also enhance the vitality of the campus core. Some new academic and administrative buildings will be located along the corridor, and their placement will allow the creation of strong new open spaces that are conducive to interaction -- giving the campus more of a neighborhood feel.

Accessibility

Well before the Campus Master Plan was adopted, the College had been setting aside funds in each year's capital budget to improve accessibility in existing structures. But the campus's location on a hillside of significant slope has always made it difficult for people with physical disabilities to get around. The goal of creating a more accessible campus, however, has offered a prime opportunity to celebrate the beauty of the campus, one that Sasaki highlighted in its presentations. The plan calls for a number of three- to four-story glass atria at strategic points around the campus, which will house elevators and ramps to comfortably and easily move people to different levels. These "towers" come with a bonus: they will also allow spectacular views of Cayuga Lake and serve as welcoming beacons for visitors.

Student Housing

For some time the College has needed to create additional student housing -- in keeping with its commitment to remaining a residential college that provides full on-campus services to its students. With the undergraduate enrollment stabilized at 5,700 to 5,800 students, last year the College leased College Circle Apartments, just south of campus, to gain an additional 350 beds. The units were renovated over the summer and ready for occupancy at the beginning of the school year. The internal road connecting College Circle to the campus core has been improved to encourage pedestrian traffic.

Now part of on-campus housing, the complex is supervised by residential life staff according to College policies and regulations, and the Office of Campus Safety provides safety and security services just as it does for the Garden Apartments, the Terraces, and all other residence halls. Work is now under way on the second phase of the project, which will include the construction of apartments to house another 340 students, as well as a community center. The College continues to renovate existing residence halls as part of its ongoing effort to keep student housing up-to-date and comfortable.