The task for the designers of this project was to generally upgrade the courtyard to reflect its level of importance as the only pedestrian entry to the campus core from the north. This entailed incorporating outdoor seating, reducing the grade of the sidewalk to comply with current ADA standards without the use of railing, screening service and utility areas, and upgrading site lighting. The philosophy of our approach was to recognize that the area is a transitional space and to achieve a seamless expression between building architecture and the landscape. Our design approach was intentionally organic in nature to contrast with the stiff geometry of the architecture of buildings. It was also necessary for our firm to accept a major task of also meeting strict timelines for contract award and tight budget restraints.