Urban Design Associates has developed Master Plans and Urban Designs for a wide range of institutions, focusing on creating ways to better integrate these traditionally single-use, isolated complexes into the cities and towns in which they are located.

INSTITUTIONAL EXPANSION AND NEIGHBORHOODS
Large institutions have begun forging working relationships with their neighbors to find expansion solutions that best serve the needs of both and resolve the conflicts that sometimes accompany institutional growth in urban areas. UDA assists clients in achieving their goals by designing vibrant, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week environments that provide a mix of safe, attractive housing for existing residents and newcomers, much needed services and amenities. These contribute to the neighborhood’s economic vitality and help attract highly talented faculty, research staff, and other personnel.

THE UDA PROCESS
UDA’s planning process builds consensus by engaging diverse interest groups in the creative process. We combine the strengths, weaknesses and aspirations expressed by each interest group with a careful analysis of the technical aspects of the plan to develop a series of alternative concepts that are then evaluated by all participants to identify the preferred plan. Three-dimensional media provide a means for building a shared vision and ensure that the concepts are practical and easy to implement. UDA’s Master Plans and urban designs also anchor the new development to its broader campus and community context.

FORM AND RESPONSIVENESS TO CHANGE
Although a client’s current projections for building programs provide a basis for design, UDA actively seeks to create a configuration of buildings and open space that can adapt to changing programs and uses over time. We establish a framework of public spaces which define the building envelopes of future buildings. The specific functions can change from present projections, but the scale, massing, and character of both buildings and open space will remain consistent.

LOCAL CHARACTER
UDA takes great care to understand the inherited character of the campus or district, then we work diligently to ensure that the elements of the plan connect seamlessly with it to create beautiful new places which respect and enhance the traditions of their locale.