The Open Space Plan develops a system to analyze the amount and type of open space needed to support campus programs. This plan also develops and maintains an open space framework in support of related master planning components such as landscape and vegetation, views and vistas, wayfinding, campus edges and gateways, and circulation systems.

Goals and Objectives

  • Embrace the Iowa River 
  • Create policies to ensure the preservation of open space that is balanced amongst building use and traffic circulation systems. 
  • Establish building and open space density ratios.  
  • Increase student recreation space.
  • Establish an organized system of exterior spaces that are safe, comfortable, and support collaboration amongst all users. 
  • Create a system of larger open spaces for gathering (exterior rooms) connected by a series of pedestrian pathways (exterior hallways) used to link open spaces to one another. 
  • Use open space to strengthen the physical image and legacy of the campus. 
  • Identify and protect strategic open spaces that will preserve the University’s heritage and historical landscapes.
View of campus from the river
Anne Cleary Walkway with Old Capitol in Distance
Student under tree with leaves changing color

Strategies

The campus Open Space Plan is comprised of seven unique types of spaces. Each plays an important role in the physical development of the campus. They address programs' exterior space needs while establishing order and balance amongst buildings and circulation systems.

  • Pedestrian Ways: These are well-defined corridors, free of roadways, for primarily pedestrian movement only. Pedestrian ways may include non-motorized transportation such as bikeways but if so, require dedicated lanes for such. These spaces should be free of any vehicular conflicts.

  • Yards and LawnsThese are buffering spaces between buildings and adjacent streets, bikeways, and pedestrian walks. Yards and lawns are soft-scaped areas that have an aesthetic purpose relative to adjacent buildings. They provide places for informal gathering and are not intended for active use and programming.

  • Courtyards: These spaces are defined by a sense of closure created by buildings or other architectural elements. They have limited points of entry and are typically on a smaller, more intimate scale. Courtyards are perfect places for respite and/or small group gatherings and events. The use of hard-scaping landscape materials support a more active, programmable space.

  • Quadrangles: These are larger-scale open spaces typically defined by major buildings. These traditional collegiate-style open spaces are typically iconic places used for all types of gathering and program needs. Quadrangles have a sense of enclosure but at a scale that allows for both sun and shade, creating diverse places within each space. Multiple points of access promote connectivity within and amongst the surrounding built environment.

  • Natural Areas: These are areas of untouched landscape deemed important to protect from development. Natural areas include prairie remnants, wooded forests, river bluffs, ponds, wetlands, and other natural features. They are typically an appealing landscape that contrasts the built environment. Natural areas are low maintenance, requiring only selective clearing to control invasive species.

  • River Corridor: This is a park-like setting along both sides of the Iowa River as it passes through campus proper. The river corridor promotes a variety of active and passive uses intended to promote the river and maximize use, enjoyment, and community engagement. This open space will take advantage of, and further strengthen, the presence of natural scenery to contrast the urbanization of campus buildings. It lies along the river’s edge and integrates non-motorized circulation for easy access and community connectivity. 

  • Athletics/Recreation: Many of these open spaces are designed for specific program uses. They consist of a variety of practice and playing fields, turfs, and courts, the Finkbine Golf Course, and other supporting activity-related training, event, and recreation spaces. Although predominantly sport-related, other defined open spaces support passive recreation for walking, running, or biking through scenic areas. 

Campus Open Space PDF
Open Space Interactive Map