2025 Design & Master Plan - South Dakota State University

3.2 building size
Buildings should be in scale with the surrounding structures along with the
public spaces that are adjacent to them. Proportion, massing and scale
of all new construction shall correspond similarly to nearby buildings and
general campus character. Scale should acknowledge surrounding context
and establish the human scale. Consider both pedestrian scale at the face of
buildings and from viewing corridors afar. The ratio of building height to open
space shall be 1:1.5 or 1:2 to create comfortable enclosed spaces rather
than wide open sprawl. This should be accomplished using two- to four-story
buildings. Building height should complement surrounding architecture.
3.3 facade proportion
The scale and proportion of a building impacts the sense of place within
the campus. New buildings and additions should acknowledge surrounding
context, but recognize and establish human scale. The design of the building
should take into consideration how the design affects a person standing at
the face of the structure; similarly the building’s materials can influence how
the building scale is read.
Building facades that face major pedestrian malls should be treated as front
porches with seating, plantings, lights, etc. Entrances should be emphasized.
Areas of pedestrian proximity should be given the most consideration,
including building entries, arcades, shade elements and first-story features
on multistory buildings.
lincoln music hall
b:8