Promote a Pedestrian-Oriented Campus

 The University of Iowa strives to give the highest priority to pedestrian movement
 and providing safe, efficient and attractive pedestrian pathways. A pedestrian  campus supports social interaction and face-to-face contact that contribute  positively to the quality of the campus life and the educational experience.

The plan calls for safe, efficient and attractive pedestrian pathways throughout the campus to enhance face-to-face interaction and the sense of a walking community. Undergraduate classroom venues should be concentrated within the core academic area to facilitate the 10-minute class change.

Circulation

Pedestrian paths are the primary means of moving about campus. It is important to minimize conflicts with vehicles. The campus plan strives to give the highest priority to pedestrian movement and in descending priority to bicycles, mass transit and automobiles. The plan must also provide for adequate vehicle access for service functions, emergency vehicles and the disabled.

 

Gathering Spaces

Gathering spaces such as plazas and open spaces encourage campus community and enrich the aesthetic experience. The design of smaller outdoor gathering spaces is important to the pedestrian experience of the campus and is the subject of a 2004 University study called  Reinforcing Community, Campus Gathering Places Design Guidelines. It is recommended that smaller campus gathering spaces be integrated into all new building projects.

 

Parking
In order to suport a pedestrian oriented campus and facilitate circulation, parking needs must be considered. A number of parking issues have been identified: convenience, supply of close-in spaces, need for ramps, potential displacements of lots, and future growth in parking need. Parking space is projected to grow to 1,622 new spaces by 2011.