CAMPUS PLANNING - Roger Williams University

2002-2003 RWU Presidential Fellowship Report: Campus Planning
North Campus
The inboard housing scheme represented in the earlier
scheme B-2 was explored further; however is not included
in the final plan (see precinct plans). The use of the current
alignment of the Maher Center access road keeps current
pattern of the dormitories along the waters edge. These
dormitories are arranged in two interrelated pairs of
buildings. The first pair makes the transition from the
geometry of Bayside and the second frames a relationship
to the proposed soccer/lacrosse venue and
grandstands/parking garage. The Bayside wing of the first
paring could be dropped to allow more of an opening to the
north meadow. Both wings of this first pairing could also
be dropped in favor of a site for a Performing Arts Center
on either side of the road.
This first pair of flanking dormitories acts as a gateway to
the north campus and the north meadow, framing a
spectacular water view and continuing the series of portals
framed by the Bayside dormitories. These portals punctuate
a stepping pedestrian walk linking to a realigned north
entrance. The playing field would require some regarding;
however, it would be an impressive setting for an allweather
venue and exercise track.
The dormitories, which frame the view from the playing
field to the meadow beyond, also enjoy oblique water
views to the east and southeast past the bayside
dormitories. These dormitories also define intimate
courtyards and forecourts, providing a variety of social
spaces.
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