The Facilities Management Landscape Architecture and Site Planning (FM-LASP) team recently completed the Physical Sciences District Framework Plan, a major design plan that aims to resolve long-standing safety concerns, enhance the campus environment, and create dynamic public spaces. We sat down with Mayton Xu, a licensed Landscape Architect (LA) on the FM-LASP team, and lead LA for this project, to learn more about this exciting redesign plan!

The area is one of the social and academic centers of our campus and sees a high amount of traffic each year. However, obstructed site lines, unclear traffic direction, and minimal separation between modes of travel can make circulating through the space a challenge, especially on busy days. Following a series of capital projects in the district, Design and Construction Management (DCM) was planning to scope a small site project that included refreshing the paving and landscaping in the district impacted by construction, but FM-LASP, in partnership with Campus Planning, recognized an opportunity to expand the scope of the project to not only address safety concerns but also holistically transform and improve the entire Physical Sciences District as well!

The FM-LASP team consists of two campus landscape architects and two student interns (landscape architecture program majors) taking planning diagrams into schematic design, designing and coordinating site improvements, preparing and reviewing design documents, managing campus standards, and performing construction administration for site improvements all across the campus. As a relatively small team in the context of a very large campus, a collaborative approach to design is critical to their success in general and especially for their work on complex projects like the Physical Sciences District Framework Plan.

FM-LASP worked closely with various departments across campus, incorporating feedback from key stakeholders to ensure the design met both the long-term vision for this district of the campus as well as operational and safety needs. For example, Campus Planning was instrumental in scoping and shaping this expanded project and determining the main circulation moves and connections.   Transportation Services supported FM-LASP’s direction to separate pedestrian and bike circulation to improve safety and centralize bike access through consolidated bicycle parking areas.  Planters act as a buffer between bike and pedestrian routes to deter bicyclists from riding into ped-only zones. This strategy also enhances circulation experience throughout the district with continuous linings of shade and opportunities for stormwater retention. Safety Service’s Fire Marshalls emphasized the need for emergency vehicle access so that first responders can reach critical areas during emergencies. FM-LASP was able to work this need into the site plan by designing multifunctional spaces that meet both bike parking and large vehicle access needs.

The framework plan includes a space for the development of a new plaza for the district, serving the campus community, as well as design solutions that both limit and facilitate access for campus operational units that minimize impacts on proposed pedestrian and bike infrastructure in this district. The team also reviewed the project’s impact on existing utilities and are working with DCM and FM Utilities to study the option to include future utility improvements that overlap with the scope of this effort to avoid future underground conflicts with the proposed elements of this project. The Physical Sciences District Framework Plan was handed over to the DCM team in July 2024, and while it has a ways to go before the approval process, a consultant is now working on developing a cost estimate.

This project is aligned with UC Davis's strategic goals of enhancing campus safety, sustainability, and innovation, and exemplifies UC Davis's commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration. By addressing active mobility challenges, improving public spaces, and creating a safer campus environment, the Physical Sciences District Framework Plan sets a new standard for future projects. The FM-LASP team's deep understanding of campus operations, maintenance needs, and connectivity goals set the stage for this successful design outcome, saving the university both time and external costs.  We are so excited to see the finished project and its impact on campus life here at UC Davis! Thank you to the FM-LASP team for all of your hard work and dedication!

Scroll through their design thought process in the mini slideshow below! Click on the right side of the image to advance.