Price center lawn is located in between Price Center and Library Walk, two of the most trafficked and active areas on campus; it is a sizable triangle of grass, with trees providing shade, and benches for sitting. Although it seems to be an inviting space in a central location, this area is hardly used to potential. Even during peak hours of activity, so often the benches are unused and the grass grows undisturbed in the sun.

Why is this space left dormant?

I propose that the answer is access. The only way to get to this space, without jumping or climbing is through the top where it borders library walk. Although this may be an easy entrance, it is the only entrance. A well-designed and active space has flow; people should be drawn to it and through it, naturally. Because Price Center lawn has only one entrance, it lacks this natural flow of social movement, and hence it lacks activity.

I see two simple interventions that could work together to open up the area:

-a ramp or stairwell connecting the bottom quad area of price center with the lawn

-a series of three small bridges to connect the zig-zagging stairway with the lawn

These installations combined would create a more natural pattern of movement in and out of price center, and would provide the necessary traffic to significantly increase the use of the so often deserted lawn area.

Goal:

Activate an underused space through a set of architectural interventions.

Space to be Activated:

Price Center Lawn

Primary Participants:

Benjamin Lotan: Project Manager

Steaphen: Structural Engineer (designer)

Jen Revelli: Structural Engineer (consultant)

Derek Lomas: Advisor

Effects of Intervention:

Positives:

-Better access to Price Center Lawn

-Easier access between Library Walk and Price Center

-Provoke Social Interaction through activation of an underused social space

Negatives:

-Create higher traffic across grass (possibly wearing it down)

-Minimal interruption of flow within the bottom of price center

Schedule of actions needed:

-Finalize design of stairwell/ramp (depending on funding)

-Obtain safety authorization (if necessary)

-Purchase materials

-Cut wood

-Assemble Stairwell

-Paint Stairwell and Bridges

-Document Space Prior to installations

-Install interventions

-Document space with intervention

-Remove intervention at quarter’s end

Supplies list and Budget

Bridges:

Item Quantity Cost From Total

3’x5’ Plywood Sheets 4 ~$10 Dixieline $40

2”x4”x8’ planks 2 ~$3 Dixieline $6

Killz Weatherproof Paint 1/4 $20 Dixieline $5

Four bridges total cost: $51

Ramp:

This is the budget for the ramp (blueprints attached) designed. Plans would likely change, depending on safety regulations, and possibly a larger budget. This was designed only minimally to fit a modest budget. Creating a full staircase is desired.

Item Quantity Cost From Total

3’x11’ Plywood sheet 1 ~$20 dixieline $20

4’x5’ Plywood sheet 1 ~$15 dixieline $15

2”x4”x8’ planks 12 ~$3 dixieline $36

2.5” screws ~50 $.02 dixieline $1

1.5” screws ~50 $.02 dixieline $1

2’x10’ strip Grip-tape 1 ~$10 dixieline $10

Killz Weatherproof Paint 1/2 $20 Dixieline $10

Total ramp cost: $93