Infrastructure (and Sustainability)

In 2015, UMass released the Master Plan Sustainability Chapter that outlined how the UMA was going to address sustainability needs of the campus given the Master Plan that had just been released. A portion of this chapter was dedicated to opportunities for stormwater mitigation. Green infrastructure is defined by the Clean Water Act as "the range of measures that use plant or soil systems, permeable pavement or other permeable surfaces or substrates, stormwater harvest and reuse, or landscaping to store or infiltrate stormwater and reduce flows to sewer systems or to surface waters." UMA is working to address stormwater quality and quantity control given the campus stormwater system is currently at capacity. The Campus Pond; wetlands and their buffer zones; and a drainage system that includes pipes, box culverts, swales, open streams, detention/retention ponds, underground storage chambers, and infiltration systems make up that stormwater system. While the campus pond makes up a portion of the stormwater system, the pond was not engineered for storm water collection.

The Green infrastructure section of this webpage reviews projects completed by UMA that aim to mitigate the negative impacts of stormwater. New facilities, renovations, and landscape interventions implement industry best practices to resolve campus stormwater issues on both the small (on site) and large (campuswide) scale. Operational management of landscape resources and academic programs have worked together on stormwater mitigation opportunities that present themselves on past projects to maximize efficiency and impact. Check back to see how this list of projects grows.

On the right column of this page (or below on a mobile phone) select the triangle pull-down menu to get a list of green building project websites. Alternatively, you can scroll through the alphabetical list of buildings by using the Previous-Up-Next buttons below.

Morrill Courtyard Utilities (2016)

This extensive project addressed structurally deficient manholes, deteriorated asbestos-insulated steam lines, non-code compliant rails, and accessibility deficiencies around the Morrill Buildings.

Completed: Fall 2016
Structural & Landscaping: Fuss & O'Neil, Inc.
Mechanical: LN Consulting
Construction Manager: J&J Contractors, Inc.
UMass Project Manager: C. Kim Jaworski-Bruschi

Project Scope

Utilities Improvements:

Steam system replacement including a walkable tunnel
Installation of walkable tunnel improves future maintenance and protects the investment of surface upgrades
Provided a new tunnel exhaust fan system
Provided electrical and telecom improvements from Stockbridge Circle through the courtyard including a spare conduit for future system expansions
New stormwater management system was installed including new yard drains, catch basins and surface collection inlets.
New loop connection through Morrill II basement to main water mains from Stockbridge Road and North Pleasant Street Water line addition
Asbestos-containing materials abatement from steam lines, exterior of the steam manholes, building foundations and electrical duct banks.

The project also included the following surface and landscape improvements:

Barrier-free accessible pathways to building entrances and courtyard space from North Pleasant Street
Improved pedestrian flow – to serve as eastern gateway from North Pleasant Street to Stockbridge Corridor
Larger and more functional gathering spaces and seating
Safety improvements – lighting and code-compliant walkways and stairways
Increased visibility from North Pleasant Street
Aesthetic enhancements – new plantings, green screens, and incorporation of boulder specimens from UMass Geosciences

Media

Articles

New Design Building, Renovations to Morrill Courtyard Are Completed
UMass Amherst College of Natural Sciences - n.d.

Southwest Concourse Renovation (2011)

Southwest concourse renovation perspective view

The Southwest Concourse renovation is a comprehensive revitalization of a five-acre central pedestrian core, bordered by residential towers, dining halls, and student activity spaces within the 5,000-student Southwest Residential Area. The design incorporates campus and regional design influences to repopulate the landscape with native trees and plantings. Strategic variations in topography promote natural stormwater management, with minimal maintenance required.

Sustainability and environmental education themes are integrated throughout the landscape to encourage student interaction. The design incorporates campus and regional design influences to repopulate the landscape with native trees and plantings. Strategic variations in topography promote natural stormwater management, with minimal maintenance required. Together, these features create an aesthetically pleasing, environmentally sustainable Southwest that embodies the Pioneer Valley.

The project received an Award of Excellence for Design by the Boston Society of Landscape Architects in 2012, and an Honor Award of Excellence by the Society for College University Planning in 2014.

HOW IT WORKS

Existing site topography was modified to create a series of sloped, linear channels called bioswales. Bioswales collect, cleanse, and infiltrate stormwater naturally onsite, as opposed to conventional underground sewer systems. The sides and bottom of the bioswales are lined with native vegetation, soil, and rock to filter stormwater and remove harmful pollutants from surface runoff.

After treatment, stormwater is diverted to large basins, which discharge runoff into sewers and waterways. Basins are interspersed throughout the concourse, and also function as congregation areas for students. This stormwater strategy provides ideal growing conditions for trees, gardens, and other plants in the landscape.

Completed: Fall 2011
Designer / Landscape Architect: Stephen Stimson Associates
Collaborators: Kleinfelder and Pine & Swallow Associates
UMass Project Manager: Bruce Thomas
UMass Project Planner: Ludmilla Pavlova-Gillham

Project Scope

Sustainably-harvested IPE hardwood decking
Bioswale design utilizes salvaged granite and recycled stone
Old concourse – 30% pervious landscape surface, 70% impervious hardscape
New concourse – 60% pervious landscape surface, 40% impervious hardscape
Stormwater management plan incorporates rainwater infiltration and porous pavers to reduce offsite discharge
Runnel water diversion channels, vegetated bioswales, rain gardens, tree box filters, and engineered soils aid in stormwater transport and infiltration, improving site drainage
Planting strategy utilizes a diverse palette of native plant, shrub, and grass species
Site infrastructure and utility upgrades provide increased energy efficiency throughout the entire concourse
Fosters student appreciation for nature within an urban environment
Energy-efficient concourse lighting design

RESOURCES

Green Building Brochure

Click here to access an interactive green building brochure for the Southwest Concourse Renovation.

All images by Charles Mayer Photography, courtesy of Stephen Stimson Associates.

IPE Decking	North View
South View	North Aerial Perspective
Southwest Aerial Perspective	Site Section Diagram

Media

Articles

New Project Hopes to Turn Southwest from Concrete Jungle to Urban Oasis
The Massachusetts Daily Collegian - 1/29/2010

University of Massachusetts Southwest Concourse
Stephen Stimson Associates - n.d.

Southwest Concourse UMass
Studio 2112 Landscape Architecture - n.d.