Work moves ahead on University of Ottawa campus master plan
By Neco Cockburn, OTTAWA CITIZEN February 4, 2014 7:00 PM
OTTAWA — Some parts of the University of Ottawa campus are crowded and lack common areas where people can hang out, study or bounce ideas off each other. Some people see the campus as a place to learn and work “but not a place to stay,” while “the absence of a memorable campus experience is an issue.”
The feedback is among two dozen reoccurring themes heard by a consultant team that gathered feedback from staff as part of work on the university’s master plan that will set the direction and development of the campus.
Work on the first phase of the project started over the past six months in response to the city’s planning for transit-oriented development near the Lees light-rail station. The master plan initiative is expected to be completed in the summer of 2015.
A new blog has been launched (
www.uottawamasterplan.ca) and consultation is planned with groups that include students, residents and city representatives, before an open house is held later this month.
The university’s lead consultant is Toronto design firm Urban Strategies.
Other reoccurring themes from staff ranged from the need for a better-defined pedestrian network and more green space to new labs and research space as the faculty grows, according to information on the blog.
Newer buildings “have utility and distinction and accommodate students well,” according to one of the common ideas, but “on the other hand some structures have run their course and need to factor into new thinking ... and those needs may not match the past building trend or type.”
That King Edward Avenue should, over time, “become a new and active campus spine,” was among other themes.
An “invitational visioning workshop” is to be held this month for representatives of faculty, staff and students, followed by a campus open house in the University Centre on Feb. 26.
ncockburn@ottawacitizen.com
twitter.com/NecoCockburn
© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/ot...041/story.html