Campus Link Through Connectors

This project examines the North Gates of the LSU Campus and the surrounding campus border as it relates to property adjacent to the aforementioned location. This inventory, analysis and plan for establishing campus links and block connectors focuses upon pedestrian flow, access and entry into the north base of campus.

I conducted a study of the North Gate Shopping Center in Baton Rouge at the request of Professor Max Conrad. The site is a mixed-use business and residential community that has the potential to become a vibrant  center of activity for students and residents.

The process included site interviews with students, residents, and business owners. Additionally, review of historic and planning documents produced by LSU, provided valuable information and clarification. Many on site visits complete with photography, sketching and researching of planned spaces also contributed to the process.

Recommendations include traffic restriction on Highland Road and Chimes Street, complete with weight restrictions on vehicle sizes. Widening of  sidewalks; establishing formal bike paths and offering alternative informal routes for pedestrians and cyclists provide alternative entry and exit paths to the campus. 

Additional recommendations include, improving the condition of unsightly parking lots along West/East State Street, Highland Road and Chimes Street,  and suggested sharing of parking areas to reduce the space devoted to asphalt lots; a better retail mix of commercial tenants including specialty shopping for clothing, sporting goods, books, delis and restaurants, to help create a destination shopping district. for residents and students.

These suggestions along with new public spaces, including a student town square with a green park and water features will dramatically improve the balance of the site.

Linking a network of primary, secondary and tertiary spaces that act as through block connectors leading to formally constructed gateways to the LSU campus will improve entry and exit to the campus for pedestrians, cyclists and automobiles.