Site Design Considerations

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West Chester University recently completed the development of a Master Landscape Plan which reflects the guiding principles for the campus and project Site designs. Information regarding plant/landscape selection and design identified in this master plan, is incorporated herein by reference, and shall be made a part of the University’s design guidelines as if included herein.

A. General Design Guidance:

In addition to that identified in the Master Landscape Plan, the Design Professional shall incorporate the following general considerations into the design/development of all projects:

  1. The University’s campus landscape consists of lawn areas, circulation paths and roads, specialized gardens and specialized areas such as South Campus Gardens and the Gordon Environmental Center. New developments should incorporate physical and visual connections to existing landscape plans and comply with the Landscape Master Plan through a maximum use of native/adaptive plantings.
  2. The Design Professional shall use sustainable landscape design practices that create healthy and ecologically appropriate spaces, provide pleasant outdoor environments, reduce exterior lighting demand, embrace practices of material conservation, minimize storm-water runoff and waste reduction associated with landscape and hardscape projects.
  3. All planting is to be comprised of native and adapted species. Canopy or shade tree placement shall be coordinated to provide shading of hardscape areas when practical. To support healthy plant growth, existing topsoil is to be stripped and stockpiled. Existing and imported topsoil shall be spread across any project site and amended with compost. Over-compacted areas shall be broken up during the installation process. Temporary watering will be required during the plant establishment period.
  4. Each project should take responsibility for improving adjacent streets and pedestrian ways, by including funds in its budget to bring these up to campus standards. The campus palate of landscape materials, walkways, lighting, signage and street furniture must be used on all public spaces that are part of building projects. These elements should be used to create both active gathering and contemplative spaces, and to reinforce linkages and gateways within the campus and at its edge.
  5. All pedestrian circulation, including entrances to any building or special outdoor areas are to be ADA accessible and compliant (refer to “Ensuring ADA Compliance” in this manual).
  6. Parking Lot Dimensions: Typical parking space to be 10’ x 20’ or as otherwise permitted under governing township codes. Aisles should be sized to 24’.
  7. University Standard Sidewalk: All sidewalks shall be 8 feet wide unless directed otherwise. Incorporate radiuses and/or 45 degree corners at walk intersections to minimize pedestrian corner cutting.
  8. Perimeter site lighting will be laid out to be consistent with other campus areas and will utilize the campus standard pole light (see below). To reduce site energy consumption, high efficiency LED lamping will be used in the pole lights rather than a metal halide lamp. In addition to the pole lights, LED bollard lights will be specified to provide supplemental lighting at plazas or walkways. In concert with energy conservation, light pollution from poles and bollards will be minimized through the use of full cut-off fixtures while maintaining safe light levels.
  9. The Design Professional shall consider incorporating an attached outdoor storage for grounds maintenance equipment in building/project design. Consider impacts of acoustics, ventilation and proximity to fresh air intakes when siting outdoor storage
  10. To accommodate power requirements for special events, at every third pole, provide an internal 120V receptacle in the base of the light standard, with a protective cover secured with allen key locks. Receptacle shall not be easily accessible to students/general public.
  11. The design shall provide an adequate number of outside GFCI receptacles and hose bibbs, carefully located and freeze-protected, for proper watering and future maintenance of all grass and landscaped areas. Consider incorporating irrigation systems for planting beds into the design of all primary entrances to buildings
  12. Every project shall provide secure bicycle parking areas; those for Residential areas shall be internal, wherever possible. Bicycle racks are to be provided at well-lit and easily accessible locations supporting alternative transportation. As the University also participates in an independent “Bike Share” program in conjunction with its Sustainability Council, every project shall include criteria imposed by the bike share Contract holder (currently ‘Zagster’).
  13. Review amount of walk areas to be provided with a snow melt system. Coordinate with all impacted trades

B. Specific Design Guidance:

The Design Professional shall incorporate the following criteria in the specific site design:

  1. Turf and Grasses: Seed Mixture A (for all lawns other than steep slope): 40% Overdrive Perennial Ryegrass, 30% Buena Vista Perennial Ryegrass, 30% Fusion Perennial Ryegrass
  2. Campus standard Site Lighting: Sentry Electric SBP “Battery Park” Luminaire, black (SBP—NB-(3)21EDV18-0.70A-840-SPR3W-DR-BPC-208-277V) with SAL-BOP Series aluminum pole, also by Sentry Electric. Group lighting photocell sensors such that they control multiple lights rather than single lights
  3. Site Concrete and Paving:
    • Bituminous Concrete Pavement: PennDOT standard Publication 408 for asphalt roadway and pedestrian path applications.
      • a. WCU standard for parking lots:
        • 1-1/2” ID -2 Bituminous Wearing Course,
        • 2-1/2” ID – 2 Bituminous Base
        • 6” 2A modified crushed stone aggregate base.
      • b. University standard for roadways is:
        • 1-1/2” ID -2 Bituminous Wearing Course
        • 5” ID – 2 Bituminous Base
        • 6” 2A modified crushed stone aggregate base.
    • Curbs and Sidewalks: Utilize PENNDOT publication 408 for the construction of all concrete curbs, ramps, and sidewalks. Coordinate ramp types with University.
      • Standard sidewalk section shall be 6” thick reinforced concrete 4000 psi, 5.5% air entrained, with 6X6X8 welded wire mesh over 6” compacted stone base over compacted earth. Utilize fiber expansion joint with snap cap and self-leveling caulking (Sikaflex – 1CLSL or equal) at all expansion joints and junction to existing walks. 6” thick concrete,
      • Specify doweled joints at all interfaces with existing concrete. Utilize ½”X18” smooth dowels @18” OC max.
      • Design Professional shall specify that in lawn areas, contractor to provide top soil to top of sidewalk after final grade and compaction. Contractor is responsible for settlement next to walks resulting in greater than 1” drop. Incorporate this requirement in specifications as well as on the drawings.
      • Specify that contractor is to remove all excess stone prior to backfilling next to sidewalks.
      • Specify contractor shall cure and seal all new concrete surfaces with Tamms Luster Seal 350 or equal.
    • Unit Pavers: If used as part of the site design, unit pavers shall be EP Henry Brick Stone West Chester University Blend: 75% Cypress Blend, 25% Original Cypress Blend
  4. Section 12 93 00: Site Furnishings
    • a. Bench: Wausau Tile, MF2201, (Smooth) Black
    • b. Bike Rack: Cora, EXPO 7510, Series W, 10 Bicycle Capacity, Black
    • c. Recycling Can: Rubbermaid, FGR48HTDSPEC DIM HNGD TOP 45G SPECIAL w/Plastic Liner, RAL 5005
    • d. Trash Can: Howard, R48HT-500 w/Plastic Liner, Black
    • e. Bollard: Reliance Foundry, R-7339 Removable 36”H, Textured Black, top collar wrapped w/2”H 3M Brand reflective tape
    • f. Picnic Table: Wabash Valley, Signature Diamond 8’L, Black
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