FSU’s pedestrian network is characterized by brick walkways, masonry landscape walls, live oak canopies, courtyards, plazas, and green spaces.
The study builds upon this established campus language while bringing a more cohesive identity to an area shaped by varied development patterns and inconsistent hardscape treatments.
Organized into two primary implementation phases, the recommended concept incorporates widened walkways, poured-in-place concrete seat walls, native plantings, limestone landscape boulders, durable hardscape materials, and updated infrastructure.
Together, these improvements provide FSU with a practical framework for transforming the corridor and a guiding design language for future pedestrian spaces throughout the northern campus district.
The existing walkway follows the alignment of several major campus utilities, including water, sewer, steam, chilled water, gas, and electrical infrastructure. Continued access to these systems was a critical planning consideration, influencing the proposed grading, drainage, seat-wall foundations, landscaping, and placement of new site features while preserving long-term utility connectivity.
Through a series of information-gathering charrettes and design review meetings, the project team worked with University stakeholders to evaluate pedestrian circulation, roadway operations, accessibility, landscaping, and drop-off improvements. Multiple concepts were studied and consolidated into a unified approach that strengthens connections to Carraway, Carothers, Dirac Science Library, and Parking Garage No. 1.
The project also explored renovations to the historic Woodward North Gate, reinforcing its role as a prominent threshold and creating a stronger sense of arrival at the northern edge of campus.
Short-term improvements introduced decorative metal banner signage to increase visibility, establish a recognizable campus identity, and provide an immediate visual marker for pedestrians and motorists approaching FSU.
The long-term concept proposed a steel arched gateway spanning the entrance, creating a more defined transition from the surrounding urban context into the University.
Together, these improvements frame the approach to campus, strengthen the character of the Woodward Avenue entrance, and welcome students, faculty, visitors, and alumni with a clear sense of place.
Accessibility improvements were evaluated throughout the corridor, including existing building connections, changes in grade, and the primary crossing at North Woodward Avenue.
The recommended concept shortens the distance pedestrians must travel through vehicular traffic, improves the accessible connection to the parking garage, and creates an ADA-compliant drop-off area adjacent to the Student Union.
Civil engineering and constructability considerations informed the project’s phasing and implementation strategy.
The design maintains access to Parking Garage No. 1 along Woodward Avenue, preserves safe pedestrian routes during construction, and accommodates equipment and material staging within a constrained campus environment.
Proposed drainage improvements replace portions of the existing swale system with trench drains, yard drains, and closed piping connected to the existing stormwater network.
