CCAC Allegheny Campus Landscape Improvements

UpStudio Landscapes worked with the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) to enhance the aesthetics of public open spaces at CCAC’s Allegheny campus.  The three project sites include the landscape surrounding the K. Leroy Irvis (KLI) Science Center and landscape improvements at both the Byers Hall parking lot and the Ridge Avenue & Brighton Road parking lot streetscape.

With high visibility and a desire to enhance the campus in a manner that responds to the existing fabric and further defines the College’s presence, UpStudio Landscapes used a plant palette that contributes to a cohesive campus aesthetic.  The landscape design provides seasonal interest, designing for maximum effect when classes are in session.  To reduce water and maintenance requirements, a palette of native and appropriate plant species was utilized.  Furthermore, the Byers Hall Parking Lot employs a bio-retention swale of river rock and a vegetative buffer to slow parking lot stormwater and channel it to an existing on-site bio-retention area.

As maintenance and campus perception were key drivers of the designs, UpStudio met with a key stakeholder group of members of the College including facilities management and maintenance staff.

Pittsburgh, PA