Shepherd University
Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Mahan Rykiel’s layout for this student housing complex optimizes site features and incorporates significant sustainability concepts in the design. Located in a unique area of the campus the site combines woodland and stream valley landscapes.
The landscape design blends the new buildings into the existing topography and provides visual and physical access to the stream – the focal element of the overall project. The central open area combines a natural environment of wet-site vegetation with mowed lawn and stepped terraces to allow for student gatherings. The design creates strong connections to other parts of the campus, specifically the athletic fields and additional housing. The plan also accommodates a strong pedestrian connection proposed to link existing classrooms and future developments.