The landscape design for the Systems Biotechnology Building at the University of Colorado Boulder campus aims to set the character for future campus development through creative stormwater management, use of native plants, and seamless integration with the building. Sustainability is a key focus, with locally sourced materials, educational opportunities, and drainage that benefits water quality and vegetation. The design includes courtyards, gathering spaces, and pathways that take advantage of views and complement building functions.

1. Landscape Narrative West Courtyard
Bicycles and pedestrians will access the site with safety, comfort and ease. A
The Systems Biotechnology Building and associated landscape forms the dedicated bicycle trail and separated pedestrian sidewalk, similar to that along Serving as the west entry from the quad, the west courtyard serves as both a
gateway to the future east campus. As the first project under the master the Broadway frontage of the main campus, will provide clear and safe access pedestrian through-way and a comfortable seating area. A diagonal pathway
plan, the Systems Biotech landscape will set the character for all future and wayfinding to the site. A centrally located multi-modal transit stop will pulls the quad into the courtyard while aligning itself with views to the
development of the campus. Through creative stormwater management serve as a gateway to the campus and continue a long preference of alternative Flatirons. Equally important, visitors enter the quad from Colorado Avenue
techniques, utilization of native vegetation and seamless landscape transportation in Boulder. and are aligned with views into the courtyard and entry architecture. Seat-
integration, the Systems Biotechnology Building will be a showcase for green walls, planters and lawn steps provide west facing seating. Canopy trees
development while creating a unique identity for the east campus. South Courtyard shade the setting sun while evergreen trees within the courtyard and the
adjacent quad provide buffer to westerly winds. Water is to be captured within
Sustainability in the landscape will be approached environmentally, socially The south courtyard is a gathering space that welcomes visitors while taking decorative cast iron grates and directed towards the east/west corridor and
and economically. Using locally available and manufactured materials will care of the regulars. Located between large auditoriums and the cafeteria, drainage feature.
reduce the greenhouse gases associated with transportation while supporting the south courtyard will have a busy mix of visitors throughout the day and
the local economy. Educational opportunities will be sought throughout night. Large canopy trees provide needed shade while allowing views into the Northwest Courtyard
the project and highlighted with interpretive education. This will include courtyard. Pedestrian scaled lighting within the courtyard transitions to subtle
education related to green design and sustainability, to the local environment step and accent lighting nearer to Colorado Ave. Roof draining water and Created as an outdoor room, the northwest courtyard will soon be one of the
and ecosystem and to the scientific research and development happening at the surface water is captured in a central channel drain with decorative cast iron south-east anchors to the quad. The space is created by tucking terraced walls
East Campus. grate. The water and channel is a feature that makes its way south out of the and a paver patio into the slope, providing an attractive and semi open room
courtyard and east within a landscaped swale, eventually making its way to for outdoor gathering. Water is captured within channel drains with decorative
The landscape will complement the character of the exterior architecture and the east courtyard where it drains to Innovation Drive. iron grates leading to the temporary parking lot. A temporary drop-off
be inspired by the innovative and groundbreaking research to occur within provides close pedestrian access to the quad and building itself.
the walls of the Systems Biotechnology Building. As a landscape ecologically
East Courtyard
located in the plains grasslands, it is important to utilize vegetation that East/West Corridor
is appropriate to place. Dryland meadows will be infused in the campus
Accommodating events and special engagements, the east courtyard provides
environment by creating clearly enclosed beds. Further acceptance of the Creating a strong east/west pedestrian connection was a clearly defined goal
enhanced paving materials, a water feature, vegetated green screens and
dryland meadow will be achieved through inclusion of ornamental grasses and of the building and site design. From the east, the corridor is softened with
stormwater management. Provisions for donor pavers adjacent to a paving
native perennials within the meadow. Other plants will be selected based on vegetated green screens, canopy trees and a paving pattern that symbolizes the
detail symbolic of the double helix create fund raising opportunities. At the
form, color, texture, year-round interest and low-water requirements. lowland riparian ecosystem of the nearby Boulder Creek. As one continues
west end of the courtyard, the paving pattern emanates from a water feature
creating soothing sounds echoing within the space. Canopy trees on the north westward, these elements are repeated within the architecture and paving.
A formal pattern of paths, site walls and steps will frame landscape planting Upon reaching the quad, the paving pattern is transformed into a functional
and various vegetated green screens help to soften the space by adding color
beds. Outdoor rooms will enhance student learning by providing intimate drainage swale that captures water from the west courtyard and roof drains.
and shade. Water is channelized within a decorative cast iron grate that spills
space for quiet study and contemplation. Larger gathering areas will inspire This channel helps to minimize water on the handicap ramps to the north,
eastward into a catch-basin, meeting the drainage swale which began at the
group discussion. Exterior spaces will be situated to take advantage of providing water infiltration and water quality improvements. Within the center
south courtyard.
Flatiron views and to compliment the functions of the adjacent interior space. quad stairs, the water is directed within a trickle channel with decorative cast
Innovation will grow out of the details. Special attention will be given to iron grates that make their way north within a recessed center channel. It will
ground plain patterns and use of water throughout the landscape. A conscious be important that future quad improvements handle this water sensitively as
effort will be made to enhance the water quality management by draining the drainage proceeds northward.
roof-top water and surface draining water through landscaped swales,
benefitting both downstream water quality and the vegetation that it passes
through.
R O B E R T A.M.
Landscape Narrative S T E RN
A R C H I T E CTS
Systems Biotechnology Building University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado May 1, 2009 Page 1

2. Preseve view Various
from adjacent Honeylocust
LASP Technol- and Colorado
ogy building Spruce trees
are appropri-
ate for pres-
erva on or
reloca on
1
2 6
2
Landscape and Exis ng com-
drainage treat- munity garden
ment prece- west of prop-
dence set by erty
adjacent LASP
Technology
building.
2 7
2
Right-of-ways Exis ng Chil-
on the east dren’s Center
and the south west of prop-
are significant- erty.
ly higher than
the en re site.
3
2 8
2
Right-in/right- Site is cur-
out access to rently uses as
LASP Technol- passive trail by
ogy building the community
and ac ve trail
by the cross
country run-
ners.
4
2 9
2
10’ detached Opportuni es
sidewalk for exist to conue
pedestrian and parway treat-
bicycle access. ment along the
Note, only west north property
bound bicycles line.
have bike-lane
along Colorado
5
2 10
2
N R O B E R T A.M.
Site Analysis S T E RN
A R C H I T E CTS
Systems Biotechnology Building University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado May 1, 2009 Page 2

3. N R O B E R T A.M.
Site Plan S T E RN
A R C H I T E CTS
Systems Biotechnology Building University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado May 1, 2009 Page 3

4. LEGEND To Boulder Creek Path To Boulder Creek Path
Vehicular Circulation
ery Drive
Bicycle Access D iscov
ADA Routes
Crosswalk
400 Parking Spaces
ADA Accessible Parking Children’s
Center (Vacant)
Drop off
Bicycle Parking
Proposed Bus Stop
Existing Bus Stop
Service
Future Parking Garage
Innovation Drive
Colorado Avenue
NOT TO SCALE
N R O B E R T A.M.
Site Access & Circulation S T E RN
A R C H I T E CTS
Systems Biotechnology Building University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado May 1, 2009 Page 4

5. SOUTH COURTYARD
WEST COURTYARD
EAST COURTYARD
Spring/Fall Summer Winter * all shadows represent 12pm
N R O B E R T A.M.
Sun/Shade Analysis S T E RN
A R C H I T E CTS
Systems Biotechnology Building University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado May 1, 2009 Page 5

6. Ivy
Standard Scored Grey
Concrete
Movable Furniture
Channel Drain with
Cast Iron Grate
Pavers
Large Steps
(12”x28”)
Raised Planter
Steps (6”x14”)
Pedestrian
Bicycle Path
Drainage Swale
Not to Scale
Channel Drain with
Cast Iron Grate
N R O B E R T A.M.
Key Plans: South Courtyard S T E RN
A R C H I T E CTS
Systems Biotechnology Building University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado May 1, 2009 Page 6

7. Granite Pavers
Green Screen
Seatwall (18”)
Shrub Bed
Channel Drain w/
Cast Iron Grate
Scupper
Event Space
Innovation Drive
Pavers
Standard Scored Grey Concrete
Water Feature & Green Screen
Drainage From South Courtyard Not to Scale
N R O B E R T A.M.
Key Plans: East Courtyard S T E RN
A R C H I T E CTS
Systems Biotechnology Building University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado May 1, 2009 Page 7

8. Lawn Steps (12” x 24”)
Pavers
Concrete Steps (6” x 14”)
Standard Scored Grey
Concrete
Raised Planter/Seat Wall
(18” above upper plaza)
Scale: 1” = 20’
N R O B E R T A.M.
Key Plans: West Courtyard S T E RN
A R C H I T E CTS
Systems Biotechnology Building University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado May 1, 2009 Page 8

9. Drop Off Area
Wind Buffer Planting
Pavers
Seatwalls
Raised Planter
Scale: 1” = 20’
N R O B E R T A.M.
Key Plans: Northwest Courtyard S T E RN
A R C H I T E CTS
Systems Biotechnology Building University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado May 1, 2009 Page 9

10. Concrete Paving
Green Screens
Stone Pavers
MATCHLINE (SEE PAGE 11)
Innovation Drive
Ramp
Interior Landscape
West Courtyard
Architecturally
Integrated Green Screen Green Screen
Ivy Lawn Steps
East West
N R O B E R T A.M.
Key Plans: East-West Corridor S T E RN
A R C H I T E CTS
Systems Biotechnology Building University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado May 1, 2009 Page 10

11. Bench
Drain Channel w/
Iron Grate
MATCHLINE (SEE PAGE 10)
Standard Scored
Grey Concrete
Scale: 1” = 10’
N R O B E R T A.M.
Key Plans: East-West Corridor S T E RN
A R C H I T E CTS
Systems Biotechnology Building University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado May 1, 2009 Page 11

12. Permeable Paver
Parking Lot
Concrete Steps
Concrete Drainage
Flume at Steps
Channel Drain w/
Cast Iron Grate
Standard Scored
Grey Concrete
Drainage Swale from
East-West Corridor
Bench
Not to Scale
R O B E R T A.M.
Key Plans: Quad Steps S T E RN
A R C H I T E CTS
Systems Biotechnology Building University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado May 1, 2009 Page 12

13. Standard Scored Grey Concrete
Canopy Tree Bosque
Pedestrian
Bicycle Path
Raised Planter (18”)
Bus Stop Shelter
Warning Strip
Not to Scale
N R O B E R T A.M.
Key Plans: Bus Stop S T E RN
A R C H I T E CTS
Systems Biotechnology Building University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado May 1, 2009 Page 13

14. 2 5
4
5
5
4
5 5 1 Crusher Fines Crusher fines offer a flexible soft surface material that may 2 Porous Paving Porous pavings allow water to infiltrate through paved
1 3 be used in planting areas, bike rack spaces and pedestrian paths. The permeable areas. This improves safety by minimizing surface water/ice formation and pro-
surface minimizes ice formation and is non-slip. vides and non-slip surface for pedestrians. Note the dry paving in the left image
despite the snow in the trees and adjacent surfaces.
1
3
3 5
4 Lawn Pavers Pavers placed in lawn create a 5 Planters/Walls Brick walls with a limestone
softened hardscape that compliments small spaces cap will allow for plenty of seating throughout the site
3 Conrete and intimate courtyards. In addition, the lawn pavers while complimenting the architectural elements of
will create visual continuity between turf areas and the structure.
hardscape.
R O B E R T A.M.
Site Materials S T E RN
A R C H I T E CTS
Systems Biotechnology Building University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado May 1, 2009 Page 14

15. 3 3
1
2 3
1 Lawn Steps Lawn steps form an elegant visual transition from architectural The integration of softscape materials with hardscape materials gives rise to
space to landscape space while providing a functional slope transition and an a dynamic and welcoming outdoor space.
informal seating area.
2 Campus Quad The classic campus quad or great lawn is a staple campus element that 3 Green Screen Architecturally integrated screens containing ivy helps to shade the
provides a beautiful setting for endless student activities and establishes a balance to the volume of buildign while softening the building facade.
the surrounding architecture.
R O B E R T A.M.
Site Features S T E RN
A R C H I T E CTS
Systems Biotechnology Building University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado May 1, 2009 Page 15

16. Plant Variety Fall color can be impressive in a variety of plant types and sizes including trees, shrubs and grasses. This creates a wonderful dynamic in
the vegetation during the time of year when most students are returning to Boulder. Winter can be equally showey. Ornamental grasses such as the Miscanthus
grass delicately hold the snow. Red twig dogwoods provide a sharp contrast in winter. Planting schemes that utilize a full spectrum of color, texture, form and
size create visual appeal that endures through all seasons
BUFFER
SHADE
Burning Bush Miscanthus Red Twig Dogwood
Northern Red Oak Feather Reed Grass Boston Ivy Columnar English Oak Crabapple
R O B E R T A.M.
Landscape Plan/Plant Materials S T E RN
A R C H I T E CTS
Systems Biotechnology Building University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado May 1, 2009 Page 16

17. 6 4
3 4
1
5 4
2 Movable Tables and Chairs
4 Landscape Forms
4 6
2 7 1 Standard Bench
6 6 Victor Stanley RB-28, 6’ SteelSites Series
4
3 Ash Receptacle 4 Trash 5 Pedestrian Light 6 Bike Rack 7 Tree Grate
Forms + Surfaces, Bulter Victor Stanley S-42, black powder-coated, CORA Expo W Series 7510, 10 bike capacity
metal straps, Ironsites Series
R O B E R T A.M.
Site Furniture S T E RN
A R C H I T E CTS
Systems Biotechnology Building University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado May 1, 2009 Page 17

18. PLAINS GRASSLAND VEGETATION LOWLAND RIPARIAN VEGETATION
DECIDUOUS CANOPY TREE DECIDUOUS CANOPY TREES
ACER PLATANOIDES `EMERALD QUEEN` / EMERALD QUEEN MAPLE ACER RUBRUM / RED SUNSET MAPLE
ACER PLATANOIDES `ROYAL RED` / `ROYAL RED` MAPLE CATALPA SPECIOSA / NORTHERN CATALPA
GLEDITSIA TRIACANTHOS `SKYLINE` / SKYLINE HONEY LOCUST FRAXINUS AMERICANA `AUTUMN PURPLE` / AUTUMN PURPLE ASH
GLEDITSIA TRIACANTHOS INERMIS `SHADEMASTER` TM TM / SHADEMASTER LOCUST QUERCUS ROBUR `FASTIGIATA` / PYRAMIDAL ENGLISH OAK
QUERCUS ROBUR `FASTIGIATA` / PYRAMIDAL ENGLISH OAK TILIA CORDATA / LITTLELEAF LINDEN
EVERGREEN TREE FLOWERING ORNAMENTAL TREES
PINUS NIGRA / AUSTRIAN BLACK PINE AMELANCHIER CANADENSIS / SHADBLOW SERVICEBERRY MULTITRUNK
PINUS PONDEROSA / PONDEROSA PINE
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS
FLOWERING ORNAMENTAL TREE AMELANCHIER ALNIFOLIA `REGENT` / SASKATOON SERVICEBERRY
CRATAEGUS CRUS-GALLI INERMIS TM / THORNLESS COCKSPUR HAWTHORN AMELANCHIER CANADENSIS / SHADBLOW SERVICEBERRY MULTITRUNK
KOELREUTERIA PANICULATA / GOLDEN RAIN TREE CORNUS STOLONIFERA ‘BAILEYI’ / RED TWIG DOGWOOD
MALUS X `SPRING SNOW` / SPRING SNOW CRAB APPLE HYDRANGEA ARBORESCENS `ANNABELLE` / ANNABELLE SMOOTH HYDRANGEA
LONICERA SYRINGANTHA `GRANDIFLORA` / HONEYSUCKLE
DECIDUOUS SHRUBS PRUNUS CISTENA / PURPLE LEAF SAND CHERRY
BUDDLEJA ALTERNIFOLIA `ARGENTEA` / BUTTERFLY BUSH PRUNUS TOMENTOSA / NANKING CHERRY
CARYOPTERIS X CLANDONENSIS `BLUE MIST` / BLUE MIST SHRUB RHAMNUS FRANGULA `COLUMNARIS` / ALDER BUCKTHORN
FORESTIERA NEOMEXICANA / NEW MEXICAN PRIVET
HIBISCUS SYRIACUS `DIANA` / ROSE OF SHARON ORNAMENTAL GRASSES
KOLKWITZIA AMABILIS / BEAUTY BUSH MISCANTHUS SINENSIS `GRACILLIMUS` / MAIDEN GRASS
LONICERA SYRINGANTHA `GRANDIFLORA` / HONEYSUCKLE SACCHARUM RAVENNAE / PLUME GRASS
LONICERA X `HONEYROSE` / HONEYROSE HONEYSUCKLE
LONICERA XYLOSTEUM `EMERALD MOUND` / EMERALD MOUND HONEYSUCKLE
MAHONIA AQUIFOLIUM / OREGON GRAPE DRYLAND MEADOW
PEROVSKIA ATRIPLICIFOLIA / RUSSIAN SAGE EPHRAIM CRESTED WHEATGRASS
PHYSOCARPUS OPULIFOLIUS `DIABLO` / DIABLO NINEBARK SHEEP FESCUE
PRUNUS BESSEYI `PAWNEE BUTTES` / SAND CHERRY PERENNIAL RYE
PRUNUS TOMENTOSA / NANKING CHERRY CHEWINGS FESCUE
RHUS AROMATICA `GRO-LOW` / GRO-LOW FRAGRANT SUMAC KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS
ROSA MEIDILAND SERIES `BONICA` / BONICA MEIDILAND ROSE FEATHER REED GRASS
ROSA MEIDILAND SERIES `FIRE` / FIRE MEIDILAND ROSE BIG BLUESTEM
ROSA MEIDILAND SERIES `WHITE` / WHITE MEIDILAND ROSE GOLD YARROW
SYRINGA PATULA `MISS KIM` / MISS KIM LILAC SUNFLOWER
VIBURNUM OPULUS `COMPACTUM` / COMPACT EUROPEAN CRANBERRYBUSH BLUE FLAX
VIBURNUM OPULUS `NANUM` / DWARF EUROPEAN VIBURNUM
VIBURNUM TRILOBUM `COMPACTUM` / COMPACT AMERICAN CRANBERRY VIBURNUM
EVERGREEN SHRUBS
VINES/IVY
CAMPSIS RADICANS / TRUMPETVINE
JUNIPERUS HORIZONTALIS `BLUE CHIP` / BLUE CHIP JUNIPER
PARTHENOCISSUS TRICUSPIDATA / BOSTON IVY
JUNIPERUS HORIZONTALIS `HUGHES` / HUGHES JUNIPER
PARTHENOCISSUS QUINQUEFOLIA / VIRGINIA CREEPER
JUNIPERUS MEDIA `SEA GREEN` / SEA GREEN JUNIPER
PARTHENOCISSUS QUINQUEFOLIA ‘ENGLEMANNII’ / ENGLEMAN IVY
JUNIPERUS SABINA `BUFFALO` / BUFFALO JUNIPER
HEDRA IVY / ENGLISH IVY
PINUS MUGO `MOPS` / MUGO PINE
ORNAMENTAL GRASSES
CALAMAGROSTIS X ACUTIFLORA `KARL FOERSTER` / FEATHER REED GRASS
HELICTOTRICHON SEMPERVIRENS / BLUE OAT GRASS
MISCANTHUS X GIGANTEUS / GIANT MISCANTHUS
R O B E R T A.M.
Landscape Plant List S T E RN
A R C H I T E CTS
Systems Biotechnology Building University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, Colorado May 1, 2009 Page 18