SUNY Fredonia

The Science Courtyard and Science Walk at SUNY Fredonia’s Science Center extend the

Center’s STEM curricula to the outdoors while honoring the University’s core academic

and community values. Among the objectives for the new landscape were to provide

flexible spaces for outdoor learning, encourage interdisciplinary exchange, link to

regional ecology and geology, and advance Fredonia’s commitment to sustainability. The

new landscape also meaningfully links to the larger campus fabric, improving pedestrian

circulation and strengthening the sense of place.

Once a monotonous parking lot and drive, the southeastern edge of campus is now

a lively hub for interdisciplinary exchange, a relaxing outdoor setting for students to

gather or study, as well as a space that promotes engagement with nature at many

levels. The design honors the existing campus fabric while reflecting changing values in

landscape design, such as habitat formation and the establishment of low-maintenance,

ecologically diverse, and resilient plant communities.

The new Science Courtyard and Walk have helped to raise the profile of the STEM

programs both on campus and for the larger community. Since the Science Center’s

construction began the school has seen an increase in applications and a growth in

enrollment in the STEM disciplines.

By establishing an engaging and welcoming space that celebrates the natural sciences,

the Fredonia community, and the historic campus fabric, the Science Courtyard and

Science Walk at SUNY Fredonia strengthens campus identity and provides a notable

sense of place.

Location
Fredonia, NY

Size
9.4 acres

Completion
2014

Collaborators
Mitchel Giurgola

Recognition
2016 SARA NY Merit Award 2016 AIA NY Honor Award