Nature and University Park: Creating a Forest Network within The Pennsylvania State University's Flagship Campus
Open Access
- Author:
- Gomez, Hannah
- Area of Honors:
- Landscape Architecture
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Landscape Architecture
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Larry James Gorenflo, Thesis Supervisor
Paul Daniel Marriott, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- campus
network
landscape architecture
design
path
corridor
matrix
afforestation
history
penn state
The Pennsylvania State University
ecology
biophilia
forest
woods
Hort Woods
Hartley Woods
Fisher Plaza - Abstract:
- This thesis explores the development of a master plan of forested spaces and pockets on The Pennsylvania State University’s University Park campus. Using historical precedents of campus design and Penn State’s deep connection to forest landscapes, the thesis argues that a network of forested campus spaces would be an ecological and social asset to Penn State — increasing wildlife patches and corridors, improving ecological functioning and decreasing costs, and providing a cultural amenity which will increase health and a serve as a research and educational tool. All areas of the core University Park campus which are strong candidates for forest spaces are identified, but the thesis focuses primarily on creating a forest network connecting historic woodlots and historic canopy trees on the northern edge of campus, linking Hort Woods Proper, Hort Woods Remnant, Hartley Woods, Picnic Grove, and the canopy trees of the Nittany Lion Inn, and stringing together a forested “emerald necklace” for Penn State’s flagship campus. Three other focus areas for forest networks on the campus are also outlined for consideration. Within this thesis, design, implementation, and management strategies for successful forest spaces are discussed. This thesis attempts to prove that new ecological goals can integrate meaningfully with a campus that has existed for over 160 years, evolving the design of the University Park campus to connect with the native landscape, strengthen the sense of place, and exemplify the values of Penn State.