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Williams Village Campus Master Plan

, AK

The Bear Creek Apartments at the University of Colorado's Williams Village is experienced as a sequence of events, of architecture and open space. The architecture and site structure are inextricably linked, so that the spaces formed by the buildings are positive and inviting. Taken together, the architecture and landscape form a memorable living environment for the residents of Williams Village. The new development adapts the best principles of the main campus residential areas and encompasses all of the critical design elements of creating communities; clear organization, axial relationships, view corridors, and a hierarchy of open space from communal gathering spots to quiet interior courtyards. Buildings relate to each other along connecting axes extending from entries and towers to other terminal features. Consistent materials are used throughout, more uniformly on the perimeter, and with increasing individuality in the smaller interior open spaces. The Village Green is the large central open space giving structure to the plan and opportunities for social recreation to the residents. Two tree-lined promenades on either side of its triangular outline point in the direction of the iconic commons building. This is the space that will host the largest, most public gatherings. Buildings are placed around the Village Green. Public walkways form the vital links of Williams Village and are designed with attention to a clear hierarchy of use level, axial relationships and views at the termini. Formal broad promenades flanking the Village Green receive special emphasis with a double row of regularly spaced trees, forming the borders of the triangular Williams Village translation of the traditional campus quadrangle. Six residential buildings, four parking structures (2,000 cars) and a commons building are organized around the village green and commons building with a series of courtyards and plazas creating a dynamic living environment.