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In 2002, Ayers Saint Gross was selected to guide Wesleyan University in its future growth with the development of a master plan. The purpose of this
flexible and comprehensive plan is to coordinate the many projects already underway by 2002, and to project into the future to facilitate
planning for the next twenty to fifty years. This includes the identification of potential building sites, the improvement or creation
of open spaces and landscape treatments, pedestrian circulation, vehicular traffic, and parking. It is the intention of this plan to
enhance the unique qualities of Wesleyan University, and to closely
align the physical attributes of the campus with the high reputation of
the academic institution. Other goals included improving the connections across the Wesleyan campus and
improve student housing.
The Planning Process
The master plan developed over
time with the collaborative help of the Middletown Community and the faculty,
staff, students and alumni of Wesleyan University. The Facilities Working
Group and Master Plan Executive Committee served to
provide ideas, opinions, and critical responses to help guide the plan
towards completion. A comprehensive list of groups also helped provide
essential information through on campus interviews. A more detailed
description of the phases of the process is presented below.
Observations
The initial phase of the Master
Plan studied the campus in both qualitative and quantitative terms.
Various aspects of the campus were documented, analyzed and represented
in a series of diagrams. The resulting information provided an overall
picture of the university, and insight towards the development of
Planning Principles.
Concept Development
In
response to the observations, three principles were established to help
guide the development of Wesleyan University.
A Firmly-Rooted
Sense of Place
-Establish a collective commitment to the quality of the
collegial environment
A Well-Connected
Community
- Create and improve visual and physical connections to the
campus core
- Establish appropriate relationships with the
city of Middletown
Reaffirm the Wesleyan Identity
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Project the image of a uniquely great university
Precinct
Studies
During the Precinct Studies phase, the core academic
area and the surrounding community and residential life areas were explored in
greater detail, and solutions were proposed and tested. The primary goal
of developing
connections across the distinct areas of campus drove the initial
schemes.
Final Plan
The plan was completed and approved by the City of Middletown, December 2003.
Click Here to view the Master Plan schedule.
Below are downloadable PowerPoint presentations from four workshops completed
with ASG.
Student Housing Plan 2002
Observations
Precinct 1 January 2003
Precinct 2 February 2003
Draft Plan April 2003
Final Plan October 2003
Student Housing Plan updated 2007
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