The University of Texas at Brownsville draws upon the intersection of cultures and languages at the Southern border and Gulf Coast of the United States to develop knowledgeable citizens and emerging leaders who are engaged in the civic life of their community. It embraces teaching excellence, active inquiry, lifelong learning, rigorous scholarship and research in service to the common good. The University promotes the interdisciplinary search for new knowledge that advances social and physical well being and economic development through commercialization while honoring the creative and environmental heritage of its region.
CAMPUS MASTER PLAN FOUNDATIONS OF THE MASTER PLAN
Core Values Master Plan Themes
Student Centered REGIONALLY FOCUSED, GLOBALLY SIGNIFICANT A campus in service of local challenges, translating knowledge Accessibility and innovation into global impact. Innovation
Interdisciplinary OWNING OUR GEOGRAPHY A compact, urban campus deeply rooted in the social and cultural Intercultural fabric of South Texas and the Border region. Responsibility
Democracy OUR CAMPUS IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY A regenerative campus, interweaving learning, research and technologies.
The Planning Process and faculty as well as UT System, city and the Board of Regents voted to expand upon regional players. the existing location of the University in The University of Texas at Brownsville downtown Brownsville. is embarking on the most important Introduced by Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa transformation in its history. Currently in the in May 2011, the UT Framework for Advancing As UTB enters into an innovative partnership midst of incredible change, the university has Excellence guides the definition of a future of universities in southern Texas, this master the opportunity to design a highly innovative University that responds to changes in plan positions the University to thrive within future. Guided by visionary leadership and demographics, funding models, global the greater network while also addressing inspired by the hopes and spirit of the people competitiveness and technology. The 21st the immediate and critical needs of the it serves, UT Brownsville will become a model Century University Commission, a regional existing campus. With only approximately institution for the 21st century. engagement initiative in fall 2012, brought 400,000 square feet of academic space and together more than 250 key players from leases from Texas Southmost College ending The transition from a long and successful across the Rio Grande Valley to imagine the in the near future, initiatives are currently partnership with Texas Southmost College potential of UTB. underway to proceed with initial building and to a standalone University within the infrastructure development. University of Texas System has empowered a A Sites Evaluation Study was conducted in multifaceted academic and campus planning conjunction with the UT Office of Real Estate Envisioning the Future of UTB process. This process has engaged a broad to consider the location of a future UTB spectrum of University leadership, students campus for 20,000 students. In May 2013, Built on unique local cultural heritage and in
2 University of Texas at Brownsville Campus Master Plan STAGE ONE STAGE TWO STAGE THREE 2016 2023 2028
$9M $34M Private Federal $12M $70M Research State
$14M Local
25% 50% National Local
20,000 Students 15% Mexico Students (FTE) 8,860 15,357 20,000 10% Residential Beds 930 1,930 6,000 International
Parking 1,520 3,840 5,000 14% 56% Envelope Renewable Academic GSF 1,700,000 3,000,000 4,000,000
Net Zero Energy 20% Residential GSF 280,000 580,000 1,800,000 HVAC
Total Gross Square Feet 1,980,000 3,580,000 5,800,000 10% District Energy Total Acres 80 170 320
service of its community, UTB aspires to be a A model for sustainability legacy of fostering a community that enriches transformational institution and an innovative the regional ecosystem and contributes to environment that acts as a vehicle for A relentless pursuit of a 100% graduation rate global innovation. enduring student success, the translation of Fostering transformational university knowledge into global impact and a catalyst Master Plan Themes experiences for human and economic development. UT Evident in all aspects of the visioning and Brownsville will be a university known as... A convening voice in resolving issues relevant planning process, three themes emerged that to the borderlands and with impact on the A national trendsetter in producing biliterate guide the definition of a campus in support Global South graduates of the mission statement and core values. The principles, strategies and guidelines Academic Mission and Core Values A national trendsetter in graduating next put forth within the master plan are directly generation Latino leaders Beginning with the articulation of the derived from these three themes. Taken UTB mission statement, seven core values together, the characteristics of the master An epicenter of cultural and artistic creativity emerged that would guide the vision and plan express a multifaceted vision that will not only transform the campus physically but A national leader in developing models for planning process. The core values became a ultimately enrich the student experience. an affordable, accessible, and technology- vehicle for discovery and exchange, forming enhanced education that accelerates time-to- the foundation for the vision of a transformed graduation UTB. The academic plan builds upon UTB’s
February 2014 3 PRINCIPLES OF CAMPUS DESIGN
Translating the academic mission, core values and master plan themes into the physical manifestation of the campus, these six principles of campus design define every aspect of the master plan:
Compact Urban Campus Resource Conservation Living Laboratory
A Compact Urban Campus creates a high UT Brownsville will employ a variety of Learning and research extends beyond the density, pedestrian friendly, walkable sustainable strategies to achieve net zero classroom, permeating the entire campus. community. consumption of water, energy and waste.
320 Acre Campus Location
Interstate 69E
Jackson St. Texas Southmost College
East 24th St.
University Blvd.
Ringgold Rd.
Border Fence
Border Crossing
4 University of Texas at Brownsville Campus Master Plan Mobility Campus as a Destination Campus Life
University partnerships with transit agencies Accessible to the greater community of The campus will encompass all aspects will ensure that the campus will be fully the Rio Grande Valley, the campus of UT of student life integrating living, working, connected to the City of Brownsville as well Brownsville will serve as both park and playing and learning. as to the greater Rio Grande Valley. cultural center for the region.
Master Plan Land Use
Interstate 69E
Jackson St. Texas Southmost College
East 24th St.
University Blvd.
Ringgold Rd.
Avenida (the campus spine) Academically Oriented Mixed Use Residentially Oriented Mixed Use Student Life Oriented Mixed Use Commercial Oriented Mixed Use Existing Academic Border Fence Existing Residential Border Campus Logistics Crossing Parking Campus Energy/Thermal Plant
February 2014 5 A COMPACT, URBAN CAMPUS
A compact, urban campus creates a high location, the University will maintain its Campus density, pedestrian friendly, walkable unique relationship with the international Neighborhoods community. border and downtown Brownsville. A total The Avenida 6 area of approximately 320 acres will enable Design for Climate the necessary expansion of the University, 4 in both the built and natural environments. Rooted in the strong urban tradition of 2 1. Plaza del Algodón Bisected by the overpass of Interstate 69E, 2. Main Latin American cities and building upon the 3 3. Centro de las the area is organized into an east and west 7 context of downtown Brownsville, a dense 1 Culturas campus that can be entirely traversed by foot 4. Casa Bella Center grid of streets defines a comfortable and within 25 minutes. 5 5. Ocelot Sanctuary walkable campus environment. A compact, 6. Los Tomates Banco 7. Tamaulipan urban environment responds to a hot and Mixed Use Neighborhoods humid climate and is a necessity within a city The Avenida where land is at a premium. The overall structure of the campus is In support of a walkable environment, conceived as an assembly of distinct yet pedestrian streets are the major organizing Narrow and shaded streets interweave the mission oriented neighborhoods. Enabling element of the campus. The Avenida is the indoors and outdoors and typically converge a diversity of campus experiences, each campus spine that serves as a walkable Main onto a central plaza or square. Within every neighborhood is uniquely defined by Street connecting all campus neighborhoods. urban block, courtyards oriented to the its relationship to edges or landmarks, It accommodates bicycle and campus shuttle prevailing winds and shaded by natural and both natural and urban. In support of a movement alongside the pedestrian ways as built elements provide a diversity of spaces thematically organized academic structure, well as a flowing acequia channel and ample for individual or collaborative activity. every neighborhood embraces a mixed natural shading. Student life functions such use typology that fosters an integrated and Campus Location as residential and student service spaces are energetic environment. placed in close proximity to the Avenida. By expanding upon the current campus
The Avenida
6 University of Texas at Brownsville Campus Master Plan Avenida del Oro
International Blvd Interstate 69E
Jackson St.
Texas Southmost College East 24th St.
University Blvd.
Ringgold Rd.
Border Fence
Border Crossing
Rio Grande
February 2014 7 A SUSTAINABLE AND ACCESSIBLE UNIVERSITY
Resource Conservation on the surrounding ecology. Systems such into the fabric of the campus, both within the as bioswales, rain gardens and wetlands urban grid and alongside restored resacas or As a steward of the environment, UTB will facilitate a more natural movement of transects of native ecologies. These spaces become a leader in innovative sustainability stormwater and act as a filtration system. In vary greatly in scale, formality and potential initiatives and partnerships within the Rio addition to rainwater reclamation techniques, use. Grande Valley. a unique partnership with the Brownsville Wastewater Treatment Center adjacent to Integrated technology in 21st century Net Zero Approach campus will recycle wastewater and return it learning environments will support a diversity of digital learning methods and innovative Committing to the goal of a Net Zero to the University for non-potable uses. models for multidisciplinary studies. campus- one that produces as much Living Laboratory Expanding even beyond the traditional clean energy as it consumes- will ensure learning environment, the realm of learning UTB is a global model of sustainable Preserving the natural ecology and restoring and research extends virtually throughout the practices. Implementation of a regenerative campus resacas will establish a powerful campus, the City and the rich ecology of the environment is a long term commitment that campus identity while facilitating learning Rio Grande Valley. requires sustainable design and technologies and research opportunities that permeate the within every campus development as well as entire environment. Mobility reducing consumption and changing patterns of behavior. The implementation of systems Respecting the Natural Ecology The compact urban campus encourages that contribute to a Net Zero future will be a pedestrian movement as the primary mode catalyst for innovative learning and research The Tamaulipan brushland on campus is of transportation while extensive bicycle as well as a generator of meaningful student an ecosystem found only in southern Texas and transit networks provide sustainable employment. and northeastern Mexico. The design of and affordable options for the campus the master plan respectfully integrates community. Demonstration Systems both the built and natural environments, allowing naturalists, biologists, environmental Regional and City Connection At the southern terminus of the Avenida, scientists and others to undertake unique a new campus Energy Center will employ learning and research directly on campus. University partnerships with Brownsville and display sustainable energy generation Metro and Valley Metro will connect the systems. The visibility of the systems at the Resaca Restoration campus to the City of Brownsville as well as facility will offer opportunities for integrated the greater Rio Grande Valley. An accessible and engaging learning and research. A restored and resilient resaca system will be and sustainable alternative to vehicular Visible systems throughout campus, such as a defining feature of the campus environment transportation, these local and regional buses sculptural wind turbines defining pathways that establishes a powerful University also have the potential to become productive or photovoltaics shading parking areas, will identity. Restoration and bank stabilization places of learning. Wifi enabled buses extend accommodate the campus energy demand of the resaca edges, added wetland areas the classroom not only beyond the building while providing a constant expression of the and an increased flow of water will ensure the but beyond the campus, generating the University’s commitment to sustainability. natural habitat can thrive and host a diversity possibility for mobile study and collaboration. of research endeavors. A complete green infrastructure system Zapata Jim Hogg Brooks Multi Modal CampusKenedy throughout campus will mitigate the Integrated Learning Environments ecological impact of the built environment Pedestrian streets and complete streets Outdoor learning environments are woven
Willacy Reducing Water, Energy Hidalgo Existing Starr Conditions and Waste Demands
Conservation
Cameron Latest Technology
Integrated Renewable Systems UT Brownsville Diverse and Regional Ecologies MEXICO of the Rio Grande Valley TOWARDS NET ZERO
8 University of Texas at Brownsville Campus Master Plan that integrate all forms of public and private educational events at a variety of scales. Active Design transit work together to support a walkable urban environment. Foot traffic is augmented In welcoming the greater community to the Creating comfortable spaces and a diversity by a bike sharing program and campus University, the campus street network is an of opportunities for physical activity within shuttles that circulate along multiple routes. extension of the urban fabric of Brownsville. the campus will foster a healthier university These integrated systems facilitate seamless The campus will be highly accessible with community. Active uses of the campus transition between modes of transit, offering clear signage, lighting and wayfinding. These environment such as major sports fields in any individual the ability to easily traverse the elements will contribute towards a safe Los Tomates Banco, running trails throughout campus. experience for every visitor to the campus. campus and recreational use of the northern resaca are augmented by more passive Park Once Park Like Setting strategies. Shading pedestrian routes, designing streets that are safe for cyclists or The identity of UT Brownsville is fueled by The master plan proposes a ‘park once’ pedestrians and maintaining building heights its rich, park-like setting. The experience of strategy for vehicular traffic. Parking facilities that are easily accessible by stair encourage moving through campus will be strengthened are located in close proximity to major daily physical activity across campus. access routes. Once an individual has parked by a unified landscape that builds on the their vehicle, they may chose to walk, cycle native resaca ecology and is interwoven with The Student Experience or take a campus shuttle to their intended a variety of civic, formal and informal space. destination. The diversity of alternative Site amenities such as canopies for shading, Ultimately, the master plan is about enriching transit options available reduces the amount seating, paving and signage further unify the individual experience. The plan embodies of valuable land that must be dedicated to the campus, while their design promotes the qualities of the future campus that have parking. The parking areas that are necessary cultural and artistic expression of the region. been expressed by the University community utilize permeable paving to minimize throughout the entire planning process: Campus Life ecological disruption and become optimal The campus will be a welcoming, easily areas for solar energy collection. The campus will encompass all aspects of accessible space that serves the entire student life integrating spaces for living, Campus as a Destination campus, local and regional community. working, playing and learning. Accessible to the greater community of It will be a vibrant place of activity that Multi Functional Development the Rio Grande Valley, the campus of UT develops the whole student through opportunities to learn, work, live and play on Brownsville will serve as both park and Integrating campus living with campus. cultural center for the region. interdisciplinary learning and research will lead to a vibrant campus culture that Accessibility Every student will have the opportunity for complements the City of Brownsville and meaningful campus employment. The University will be an epicenter of cultural the greater region. The University will and artistic creativity in the Rio Grande become a more residential environment The campus will be a complete academic Valley. Activities can be hosted across the provide housing for 30% of students. A mix environment where moments of discovery campus, both indoors and outdoors, that fuel of residential, learning, amenity and retail and discourse are possible in all settings and the cultural and educational ecology of the facilities on the 24/7 campus will enrich contexts. region. The hierarchy of spaces provided on student life and promote a strong sense of campus will facilitate individual, regional and community.
Resaca Edge
February 2014 9 THE MASTER PLAN CAMPUS The full build out of the campus in 2028.
t S
h t 4 2
t s a E
Jackson St
d R ld o g g in R
University Blvd Int ers tat e 6 9E
University Blvd
No rth WEST CAMPUS
The University is organized into an east and west campus that are connected via the Avenida. The west campus hosts the core of academic activity anchored by the mixed use, commercial hub of the Centro de las Culturas neighborhood.
Main Ocelot Sanctuary Plaza del Algodón
University Blvd. The Avenida
Border Fence Centro de las Culturas Casa Bella Center Tamaulipan
Tyler St.
Interstate 69E
h t r o N EAST CAMPUS
The east campus- the neighborhood of Los Tomates Banco- enables a diversity of activities that augment the academic core of the west campus. This includes major campus sports fields, mixed use residential space reflecting the residential neighborhood across the northern resaca and a performing arts center that will be easily accessible for a large influx of visitors.
Southmost Neighborhood
Interstate 69E
The Avenida
University Blvd.
Brownsville Wastewater h Treatment Center rt o N
Campus Master Plan University of Texas at Brownsville February 2014