Our Vision for the Ivy Corridor
Our counter proposal takes a necessary bold step with the elimination of the five story six hundred feet long and ninety feet wide (600' x 90') Ivy Emmet parking garage. This garage has been for the most part superseded by the Newcomb Hall Bookstore Garage serving the Central Grounds, and the new Athletic Complex Garage adjacent to JPJ Arena.
Simply put, the huge scale of this garage is inappropriate and unwelcome in every way.
With the above ground garage eliminated, discretely scaled underground parking may serve separately the Hotel, and the new Academic and Arts Quads.
The result is that we are able to rely upon the historically successful devices and tricks that define UVA precincts.
Low stone walls that define limits, lush landscapes and native shade trees that offer an idyllic refuge from bare pavements, and appropriately scaled buildings that are arranged around protected courtyards of varying scales. This is the formula that has served the University well over 225 years and will do so well into the future.
We also suggest restraining the scale of buildings and courtyards to those of the Central Grounds. Nothing larger than Alderman Library or Memorial Gymnasium for buildings, and courtyards half the size of the Lawn.
The material palette for walks, stairs, all street furniture, and the architecture too should work in concert with all that is in place. Brick and stone, wrought iron, lamp standards, brick and stone pavements... these reinforce the identity of the University of Virginia.
This also should apply to the landscape designs. What is in place now falls short of those standards at Oxford and Cambridge for instance, or in the Lawn Gardens. Bridges should be inspiring, streams broader and better planted, and shorelines perfect for a picnic. As it stands now, what should be a beautiful garden environment is a muddy mess.
The term KISS - Keep it Simple Stupid - is often used in the Commerce and Engineering School. It is a term that designers should abide by. The precedents that may guide us exist all over the Central Grounds.
Use them and succeed.
SITE SECTION STUDY WITH UNIVERSITY HOTEL WEST ELEVATION
NORTH ELEVATION STUDY OF NEW DORMITORY AND ACADEMIC BUILDINGS
