UC Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy, located across from the campus park on Hearst Avenue, is set to embark on an exciting landscape improvement project starting in the summer of 2023. With the aim of revitalizing the school's outdoor gathering areas, the project intends to create a more accessible, functional, and visually appealing environment for students, faculty, and visitors to meet and collaborate. The project will involve the removal of select existing brick pathways, sections of dry-laid stone walls, and overgrown landscaping. These removals will make way for a series of transformative enhancements that will breathe new life into the Goldman School's outdoor spaces.
A focal point of this project is the installation of a brand-new courtyard lawn, providing a serene and green oasis where students and staff can unwind, study, and engage in collaborative discussions. Accompanying this addition, convenient seating walls will be introduced throughout the outdoor areas, ensuring ample seating options for everyone.
Addressing the need for inclusivity and accessibility, the project will include the construction of new ADA ramps and connections between buildings. These vital improvements will enhance access to various facilities, ensuring that all members of the Goldman School community can navigate the campus with ease.
To elevate the accessibility and functionality of the existing walkways, several will be replaced with brick-paved alternatives that complement the surrounding architecture. Additionally, a stone-lined staircase will be constructed, creating a new prominent entrance point from Hearst Avenue.
Aligning with UC Berkeley's commitment to sustainability, the landscape project will incorporate bioswales. These bioswales will serve an essential role in managing stormwater, promoting environmentally responsible practices, and reinforcing the school's dedication to conservation efforts.
When finished, the revitalized outdoor spaces will provide an inviting, vibrant atmosphere that nurtures creativity, collaboration, and well-being within the Goldman School community.
The completion of the Goldman School landscape improvement project is anticipated in spring semester 2024.