Wiess College Courtyard

This Schematic Design Document represents proposed improvements to Wiess College Courtyard located on the Rice University campus in Houston, Texas. It serves to advance a flexible, multi-purpose agenda for the college, to enhance the daily routines, intermittent casual gatherings, and periodic formal events associated with student life.

The design proposes a bundling of architectural and landscape elements to support a range of college activities both formal and informal. Trees and planting reshape the large existing Courtyard into small, medium, and large spaces for study and recreation. Planters define new walking paths and small areas for student gathering, and integrate lighting, seating, and convenience receptacles within the Courtyard. Improvements to infrastructure include a central pavilion with lighting, power, and audio-visual controls, fixed bench seating, fixed bar-be-que grills, and additional exterior convenience outlets. New exterior light sources are specified to maintain minimum ambient light levels and to reduce glare by reflecting light off of new architectural surfaces.

See below to download Project Sheet (pdf)