A major new open space network at the center of the University campus providing multipurpose gathering spaces and connective green infrastructure linking the historic academic core to a landmark new classroom and library building.
The master development of Centennial Mall and Potter Quad transforms a largely impervious and highly complex site into a network of social spaces and landscapes that increase connectivity and foster community. Beginning with the preparation of an integrated bike-pedestrian master plan, a vision was established that outlines a campus-wide network of bicycle facilities, policies and programs that promote and encourage bicycle-use and integrates with other modes of campus travel. This master plan included the conversion of Centennial Mall and Potter Quad into a major multi-modal pedestrian and bicycle artery through campus.
Adjacent to the newly constructed 164,000-square-foot Wilmeth Active Learning Center (WALC), the 3.9-acre Centennial promenade and Potter Quad have become the nexus of Purdue University’s campus. With twenty-seven active learning classrooms in WALC, more than 2,000 students exchange classes every hour. The design team was challenged to develop a site design that would accommodate this massive influx of Boilermakers occupying the WALC and surrounding buildings throughout the day.