As I looked through my issues of Green Source and other green-oriented publications last week, I kept thinking, “where is the traditional architecture?” Given the content of most green design publications today, you would be forgiven for thinking that sustainable design is only for contemporary design or new buildings. But as green building becomes the norm, the range of project styles that incorporate green technologies is growing. I thought I’d post an example.

1 university of chicago main quadrangle sustainability in the landscape blog hoerrschaudt

Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects, U Of C, Chicago

The University of Chicago’s Main Quadrangle is one of the country’s best examples of a Victorian Gothic campus quad. From the moment you step inside its gates, its long heritage is evident. What aren’t as visible are the significant sustainability goals for the University’s landscape and architecture. In 2009, we removed the sidewalks, curb and paved roadways within the quad to return it to a more pedestrian-friendly space. In its place, we designed a narrower paved area of natural stone that drains to central panels of pervious concrete. The reduced paved area and permeable paving mean that more rainwater is absorbed through the gravel base of the paving into the sandy soil below, and into the surrounding landscape. According to HOH Engineers, these measures reduced the amount of stormwater discharged to city sewers in the quad by 37%. At the same time, the pervious concrete mix, developed in collaboration with Ozinga Brothers, looks like natural gravel and blends seamlessly with the historic architecture of the campus.

To Top