The University of Chicago’s Campus South Walk (formerly the Mid-Block Connector) is an east-west pedestrian experience that connects multiple high-profile buildings and institutions. The primary pathway of the walk meanders between several recently completed projects, including the Rubenstein Forum and Keller Center. The design features primary and secondary pathways, garden spaces, seating, lighting, and gathering spaces throughout Campus South to serve the students, staff, faculty, and community members who use it.
A key project challenge was developing a planting, materials, and furnishings palette that complemented each of the unique architectural styles of the surrounding buildings while tying the entire Campus South Walk into one cohesive landscape. A holistic yet centralized approach was taken to regional stormwater management by providing bioinfiltration basins, rain gardens, and underground storage areas across the campus.
