Scott Lambert, NOUN Hotel
Christine Lambert, NOUN Hotel Lee Hall, Norman City Council Ward 4 Rainey Powell, Asp Street Investments Judy Hatfield, Equity Realty Michael East, First Presbyterian Church James Bennett, Rally Group
Shane Hampton, Director Vanessa Morrison, Associate Director Ron Frantz, Director of Small Town Studios Bethany Grissom, Graduate Assistant Rebecca LaVictoire, Graduate Assistant Rebecca Blaine, PhD Assistant Xorse Dzansi, Graduate Assistant
Dr. Angela Person, Director of Research Initiatives & Strategic Planning Hans E. Butzer, Dean of Gibbs College of Architecture
Tamar Zinguer (Ph.D), Assistant Professor Felipe Flores, Instructor of Record | PhD Student Keith Gåddie (Ph.D), Associate Dean Amy Leveno, Assistant Professor Breecia Crawford Dan Butko, Associate Professor David Boeck, Associate Professor
Rachel White, PBK Elaine Asal, Gensler
Randy Peppler, OU Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability Emily Hays, Urban Practice
Group 1
Bys Chloe Green Cassady Hameed Maleeha Kelly Tyler Morgan Grace Stanley Kyler Group 2 Burris Cole (Marques) Green Debra Kandalaft Fadi Millet Ishani O’Bryant Miracle
Group 3
Arthur Jake Cha Noah McCullough Josh Robbins Nick Witmer Kyle Group 4 Do Quynh Evans Kaytlin Goins Ashlyn Gray Deddy-Dawn Johnson Selena Magana Gilbert Group 5
Feist Sabrina Hays Mira Matthews Melody Patel Janvi Redden Jordyn Rietz Alexa
Group 6
Damrill Kelsie Meagher Sofia Patel Ajay Scroggins Delaney Thurston Emma
Group 7
Davis Matt Heintschel Joseph Holmes Carson Hooks Kayd Taylor Jackson Group 8 Byers Maddux Gonzalez Vasquez Ashley Lieu Mary Long Hana Shaw Nathan Taylor Caroline Group 9 Armstrong Sydney Le Ethan LeForce Leandra Novosad Madelyn Reesing Laurel Tejeda Garcia Jose
Group 10
Barrett Jason Catalano Anthony Eggenberg Aaron Hoang Dylan Jawad Ben Kleoppel Kendall
Group 11 Arshad Amina Cazee Eliza Frick Kale Guizol Nick Holder Candace Moua Vanna Group 12 Byrom Jamilin Campbell Leo Ituarte Aidan Page Dakota Reed Samuel Stephens Courtney Group 13 Danner Dawson Denison Braeden Haas Emily Mitchell Rawsen Schmidt Phillip Verduzco Zaid
Group 14 Kueny Sean Mears Davis Miller Greyson Shobert Averie Skelton Josh Smith Erica Group 15 Anderson Mark Huerta Reese
Nary Paddy-Shea Richie J. T.
Group 16
Baker Claire Burdette Ellie Hester Hannah Hoemkhuntod K aly Praytor Haley Wood Lauren
Group 17 Brawley Nick Cowan Carter Moore Brody Moreira Heberto Schmierer Will Vanover Kylie
Group 18 Edwards Logan London Trey Reddic Drew Richburg Sam Rogers Albert Shipman Braden Group 19 Crile Jackson Erickson Shane Nishikawa Benjamin Sutherlin Trace White William
This document contains 19 human-centered design concepts for Campus Corner by more than 100 College of Architecture students.
Each year, the University of Oklahoma Institute for Quality Communities “IQC” invites advocates and stakeholders from Oklahoma communities to request assistance on planning and design of communities. IQC works with the community partner to craft a project where students and faculty at the Gibbs College of Architecture “GCA” can develop and apply their skills in a real-world scenario. This program is sponsored in part by the Oklahoma Municipal League.
In 2021, stakeholders from the Campus Corner district of Norman, Oklahoma proposed a collaboration with IQC. Campus Corner is a historic, mixed-use commercial district across the street from the University of Oklahoma. The district serves daily needs for Norman residents, students, and employees; offers entertainment and nightlife options; and is a special visitor attraction for Norman, especially during football season. Led by representatives of the new NOUN Hotel, Campus Corner stakeholders sought out student perspectives on ideas to enhance the safety, comfort, and beauty of Campus Corner as an amenity for the university and an experience for visitors.
The interesting questions offered by Campus Corner stakeholders made a perfect fit for one Gibbs College of Architecture classroom: Methods I is a freshman-level course within the Division of Architecture and had more than 100 students enrolled in Fall 2021. During this course, students learn to critique the built environment, form design questions, collect user feedback, and communicate “human-centered” design proposals. For this project, Campus Corner was the perfect laboratory for students, right across the street from the university.
During the project, the students led or participated in the following activities from September through December.
• Place Game Analysis: Each student team evaluated an assigned portion of Campus Corner according to the “Place Game” methodology.
• Community Listening Session: Students attended a panel discussion of Campus Corner stakeholders.
• Problem Identification: Teams brainstormed and focused on an identified problem in their assigned section, then refined it to a clear and concise question to guide solutions.
• Data Collection: Teams selected and implemented methodology to collect data or user feedback related to their design problem.
• Tests: While developing solutions, students were required to select two concepts to test.
• Developing Pitches: Finally, students developed organized pitches in the form of a live slide presentation to communicate final design proposals.
Student concepts ultimately centered around five priorities relating to seating, lighting, walkability, aesthetics, and tenant mix. Priorities are described in further detail in the following pages.
The 19 student proposals are summarized in this document with narrative description and representative images created or selected by students.
Based on the resulting final design proposals and after engaging with Campus Corner stakeholders we have summarized the following priorities for Campus Corner. These priorities appear throughout the 19 concepts that are included in the document.
Increase the availability of outdoor seating so people can enjoy this unique urban environment.
Prioritize pedestrian safety and comfort in the design of all streets and public spaces.
Consider new types of retail and tenants to occupy vacant spaces and embrace flexibility.
Add lighting to improve the sense of personal safety and add visual interest.
Look for opportunities to add landscaping, artwork, and other features to make Campus Corner more interesting.
Campus Corner’s narrow streets are an asset because they feel cozy and intimate. Design solutions can help accommodate a comfortable pedestrian realm even on narrow streets.
Small areas for casual seating can be added even on narrow sidewalks and spaces, as shown in examples on the right.
“Parklets” are an extension of the sidewalk that replace one or two parking spots. Parklets can accommodate seating or amenities in areas where the sidewalk is narrow or crowded.
On September 30, 2021, faculty introduced the Campus Corner project which kicked off with an interactive survey called the Place Game. Students used a tool to evaluate and share comments on Campus Corner’s place quality. The graphs and tables here summarize student perceptions.
Number of mentions in comments
35
30
25
20
15
10
Comments Sample comments used to generate themes.
5
0
Attractive Multi-use/ Variety inaccessible/bad location Dirty Nowhere to Sit Restaurants Abandoned/Empty Unsafe/Frightening traffic No Parking
Ease of walking/Accessibility unattractive Available Parking Active/lively Positive Feeling Needs Renovation Bad sidewalks Architectural Interest Bad Lighting Potential not busy Good Lighting Places to Sit Shade Cleanliness No shade use unclear Welcoming Good Sidewalks safe
Attractive
Multi use/ Variety
Inaccessible/bad location
The South side of the street is pretty with trees lining the sidewalk, so that aspect is welcoming. Also, there’s a good amount of parking.
There is a lot of option for food and maybe a lot of different stores
The location, its further away from main campus corner
Dirty Especially the gas station, looks dirty and isn’t kept up with Nowhere to Sit Nice place but no where to sit
Restaurants
It’s close to campus corner where a lot of food is located
There is a sense of abandonment and seems a little lonely
May not be safe at night
Unsafe/Frightening
8 | Abandoned/Empty
Traffic there is a lot of movement both by foot and by vehicles which can slow traffic down and make the area feel congested (mainly around lunch or at night)
The table below shows the breakdown of the number of participants whose description idealized a particular theme and their percentages.
A) 2.6, Narrow walks
B) 2.6, Tucked away
C) 2.8, Important artery for pedestrians and motorists, but could use bike lanes
D) 2.5, Good parking spots
E) 2.7, Parking; good sidewalks
F) 2.6, Narrow walks
G) 2.4, Traffic and parking
H) 2.9, Strong connection to campus; sidewalks need maintenance
I) 2.9, Accessible by car
A) 2, Nice shade and ambiance with lots of potential
B) 2.3, Art brings the place together, but could be cleaner and better lit at night
C) 2.6, Well kept, nice flowers and trees
D) 1.7, Pretty run down, empty and littered
E) 2.5, Very nicely landscaped seating area in front of Whitehead Hall
F) 2.5, Good shade with nice colorful buildings
G) 1.8, Cleanliness and safety are weaknesses
H) 2.6, Very visually appealing
I) 1.7, Visibly unappealing and uncomfortable
A) 1.9, Nowhere to sit
B) 2.2, Lack of seating and sense of safety
C) 2.1, More a place people pass through rather than gather
D) 1.8, Active at night but empty during the day
E) 2.1, Welcoming environment with some seating options
F) 2.6, Clearly active with popular businesses
G) 2.3, Lively, eccentric and a sense of community especially on gamedays
H) 2.5, Hub of activity both day and night
I) 1.4, Unsafe and isolated
A) 2.1, Feels empty and forgotten
B) 2.7, Nice mix of stores
C) 2.4, Church is the sole attraction
D) 2.2, Bars and nightlife appear to be the main attraction
E) 2, Main use unclear therefore becomes just a pass-through space
F) 2.2, Things to do are hidden
G) 3, Great mix of uses
H) 3.3, Great mix of stores
I) 2.3, Essential service present
Place Game Results Uses & Activities Boyd White Boyd White
These are themes from an October 12, 2021 panel of invited stakeholders from Campus Corner. Ron Frantz (IQC) moderated the panel, where participants included Scott Lambert and Christine Lambert (NOUN Hotel Managing Partners), Lee Hall (Norman City Councilwoman, Ward 4), and Rainey Powell (Campus Corner property owner).
• Starbucks is open early, and has outdoor seating where you can sit outside, watch Campus Corner, and run into neighbors
• Restaurants like Othello’s, O’Connell’s, and Louie’s
• A place where I can sit on a bench and run into people, experience life, and see friends
• Gameday pedestrian-only streets are a major achievement and asset for Campus Corner
• St. Patrick’s Day is an exciting event
• In the summertime, the district is less busy and there are fewer students – What could Campus Corner offer during the summer to appeal to Norman locals during that time?
• Arts and festivals are a big part of Norman and Campus Corner – The district hosts a number of festivals and events year round
• Some areas feel like they could use beautification, maintenance, or more interest
• Details matter for making a charming street
• There used to be more variety and mix of uses in storefronts. There are now some empty storefronts. In today’s climate, it is difficult to find retail users that work with the district. What types of uses could keep storefronts activated?
• Some improvements to lighting, parking, street condition have been in progress
• Appeal to lots of different types of people in the course of a year
• All-day and all-year activation is the key to safety and vitality for the district
• Reinvent retail and find uses to activate space, that may not be traditional shops. Perhaps new types of retail or services
• People are looking for experiences and ambiance, where they can be, enjoy, and explore
• Turnover of small, local businesses is common, is there a way to create low-risk spaces for small business, where it’s OK to fail?
• Elevate the historic story of Campus Corner and preserve the character of historic buildings
• What ways can we create outdoor seating when dealing with narrow sidewalks and no setbacks on buildings? Can outdoor seating be good in a variety of weather conditions?
• “Scooter Litter” is a thing! How to manage scooters and micro-mobility device parking
• Include art, music, creativity, photo op moments, and beautiful spaces
• Appeal to all senses
• Become the best campus commercial district of any college campus.
• More density, housing, and mixed-use development means more customers and people.
Group One (1)
Multi-use/Variety
Bys Chloe, Green Cassady, Hameed Maleeha, Kelly Tyler, Morgan Grace, Stanley Kyler
Members: Theme: Location: Solution: Buchanan Avenue and White Street
Create a rotating market to bring business and profit
The aim was to create a rotating market space within all the vacant lots on the corner of Buchanan and White. After running several tests-from surveys about what people would like to see in the area, we came up with a solution to create a local rotating open market. Our proposal will not require any unreasonable amount of money or resources, and it will benefit people experiencing Campus Corner and the residents around this area. Once executed, our proposal of a rotating market will bring business and profits to local businesses and establish a closeknit community through creating a comfortable and memorable place for people to gather. Currently, the area consists of a few vacant lots that would be combined into a single community area for the bodega on Buchanan Avenue, hence the name Buchanan Bodega.
Address: 323-327 White St Norman, OK 73069
Create L shaped booth set up, approximately 3-4 spots with seating on southeast corner by natural light.
Replace storefront with garage door for more open atmosphere & add lighting under awning for a safer feel
Group Two (2) Burris Cole (Marques), Kandalaft Fadi, Millet Ishani
Members: Theme: Location: Solution: White Street Our proposal is to add light fixtures and areas to sit.
Nowhere to Sit, Unsafe/Frightening
After surveying students/customers and consulting workers, our group came to the conclusion from the data collected that both lighting and seating were the major problems with this section of Campus Corner. Our first round of testing consisted of surveying individuals in section A asking what could be improved in this area, and conducting the same survey in OU’s Cross Village (a noticeably thriving community area) to see what aspects were appreciated in this location. Our second test consisted of a photoshopped version of Campus Corner with these elements along with an Instagram poll. Lastly, we held specific interviews with OU students about our project. Our proposal (Project S&L) offers a remodeled White St. with the necessary lighting and seating to transform the area into a vibrant, lively space.
Photoshopped Image incorporating ProposalArea with potential for sitting and additional lighting Photo of Area (Existing)
Group Three (3) Josh McCullough, Nicholas Robbins, Jake Arthur Members:
Theme: Location: Solution: White St. and Asp Ave. Pedestrian Safety and Lighting
Abandoned/Empty and Unsafe/ Frightening
The area was quoted as unsafe and disconnected from the surrounding area. To correct the disconnected feeling as well as safety, we propose a Crimson Crosswalk be put in the center of White St. The Crimson Crosswalk would connect the farthest areas of Campus Corner to the populous portion. Challenging the urge to leave a bar and drive home we would also include permanent posters across the Crimson Walk aiding the viewer to a more safe and practical alternative such as Uber or any number of transport opportunities. Finally with lighting we propose an simple yet elegant ground lighting fixture powered by solar panels. Simply implanting lighting along the concrete paths on White Street as well as the crosswalk would not only contribute to the overall ambiance, but also the safety of those who walk.
View of Crimson Crosswalk showing ground lighting features Perspective sketches illustrating the advantages of Crimson Crosswalk Proposed Crimson Crosswalk on White St.Members: Theme: Location: Solution: White Street
Nowhere to Sit, Unsafe/Frightening
Providing an Art mural, lighting, seating and greenery
White Street is considered one of the darkest, and least safe due to lack of foot traffic, as well as it being the farthest street back on Campus Corner. This area was considered by public and students of the University of Oklahoma as dark, unsafe, and uncomfortable. With the information we were able to come up with several solutions: an art mural created by a University of Oklahoma student, lighting, seating, and greenery. We tested out different ways we could implement art on Campus Corner.
The first was sidewalk chalk: the result was very positive. <any people wanted to participate, and be included in drawing with chalk near Walker tower. For the second and third test we were able to include seating, greenery, and lighting. The second test was a mood board. We showed others to see if it was something that will attract them to Campus Corner more often. The third test was a collage we put together for our final idea of what the tone should be for the outcome of the mural. This was a success allowing it to check comfort, uniqueness, and safety.
A display of OU’s football team as a way of connecting Campus Corner to OU. An example of art that can be displayed on our proposed mural Painting which could add color and life to Campus Corner and as well showing a connection to OU Selena Johnson, Gilbert Magana, Quynh Do, Kaytlin Evans, Deddy-Dawn Gray, Ashlyn GoinsUnsafe/Frightening
Members:
Theme: Location: Solution: University Blvd from White St. to Blackbird
Janvi Patel, Melody Matthews, Alexa Rietz, Mira Hays, Sabrina Feist, Jordyn Redden
Implementing Crosswalk safety, string lighting and murals
Our given Campus Corner district, Zone C, was on University Blvd, from White St. to Blackbird. It consisted of one crosswalk and was lacking design features. Therefore, our problem became how could we make University Boulevard more attractive and safe for the people of Norman? To find a solution, we did tests to see what we really wanted this part of Campus Corner to look and feel like. Our tests consisted of taking surveys, talking to people who were there on a daily basis, making vision boards, and having meetings with the people necessary to make it happen. After we completed these tests, we came up with our proposal: In order to connect the university with this area of Campus Corner and for more people to want to gather in this area, we must change its appearance and structure. For this reason string lights, murals, and crosswalk safety would have to be implemented.
Street view of University Boulevard after the completion of the Noun Hotel
Proposed rendered view of University Boulevard.
Abandoned/Empty
Emma Thurston, Kelsie Damrill, Sofia Meagher, Delaney Scroggins, Ajay PatelMembers: Theme: Location: Solution: University Blvd from White St. to Blackbird Seating and Improved lighting
Our site is the green area and sidewalk off of University Blvd between Blackbird and White St. The challenge with this site was to make it more of a gathering spot and a fun destination on Campus Corner. The underlying problem being that there is not much to work with there, meaning there are no shops, restaurants, or foot traffic. Our team decided to bring life to the area by designing a quick and cheap lighting and seating that would follow the sidewalk and go into the green area. Our tests let us know what type of benches people preferred and how many people actually walk by the site during the afternoon. Because churches are the main buildings surrounding the area now, it only busy on Sundays, but to our knowledge, there will be a hotel built right across the street that will make our design worth the effort. Our proposal is to add string lights and unique benches to welcome people and make the site pleasing and safe.
A view showing before and after lighting features are added to University Boulevard
Proposed benches for University Boulevard
Campus Corner is a very uniform space. Not only is it organized, but it is compact. One-ways, stop signs, and intersections within this organization connect our space to others. The spot that we worked with is a space that supports the central part of Campus Corner. It helps with going to the main street right through the center.
One problem we faced was the cleanliness of the area, such as trash, broken light posts, backs of buildings, and alleyways. It’s very dark during the night, and not that many people are in the space as often unless they need a parking space. There are limited Crosswalks and lighting which makes the place dangerous. Improving lighting and safety is imperative. A test we decided to put into effect was our cardboard cutout idea. We wanted to bring attention to the trash can to improve the quality and cleanliness of the area. We propose that we expand the quality of our space in Campus Corners and try and bring people over to those areas a little more. By increasing our school’s spirit and cleanliness which we believe is possible.
Another view which needs lighting to enhance security
Lighting features to improve safety around the area
Cardboard cutout idea to draw peoples attention to the trash can
Group Seven (7)
Holmes Carson, Davis Matt, Taylor Jackson, Heintschel Joseph, Hooks Kayd
Members: Theme: Location: Solution: Buchanan Improving lighting, seating and cleanliness of the area
Dirty, unsafe/frightening
Group Eight (8) Maddux Byers, Ashley Gonzalez, Nathan Shaw, Caroline Taylor, Hana Long, Mary Lieu
Members: Theme: Location: Solution: Buchanan Providing seating, more lighting and adding color to walls
Unsafe, nowhere to sit
When we were given Buchanan as our street to remodel, we decided we would go separately and get everyone’s opinions during the next meeting. And when we met back up, we all came to an agreement that there was a lot that the street needed and lacked. We jumped into brainstorming and figuring out what the street needed in order to make it more appealing and make people want to be in the area. We noticed that the street needed more lighting in order to bring a warm and welcoming feeling, as well as places to sit, and adding some color to the walls of some of the buildings on the street. Our goal was to create an atmosphere for people to gather and enjoy Buchanan Street, we see the potential it has and with a couple of modifications, we know it can be an area that people will want to be at.
Painting existing buildings to make the place welcoming
A proposed display of the OU colors on an existing building
Proposed lighting and sitting improvement to our area
Unsafe/frightening
Members:
Theme: Location: Solution: Boyd Street and University Blvd
Ethan Le, Jose Tejeda, Laurel Reesing, Leandra LeForce, Madelyn Novosad, Sydney Armstrong
Providing Blue lights to make people feel safer
The site that we worked with is the cross-section of Boyd Street and University. Our site is a clean area with a lot of foot traffic of commuters. It’s not an area for stopping. Though when we did the questionnaire there were some concerns about the parking lot at University Blvd. They felt very unsafe at night when walking to their cars. Some challenges that we faced were people threw away the sign for the questionnaire. Another challenge was timing for meetups. We started off by doing tests about things to engage with the users of this area. After further inspection and survey, we were able to uncover the real needs of the users of the area.
So, we then tested out the proposal of working on blue lights and how they make people feel safer and give people a safety net. The use of the blue lights not only gives people the option for a quick call to the police but also gives a calming presence.
An image of the street at night
Proposed blue lights to enhance the safety of the area
Abanadoned/empty
Members:
Theme: Location: Solution: Blackbird & Whitehand Hall
Kendall Kleoppel, Ben Jawad, Anthony Catalano Jason Barrett, Dylan Hoang
Creating a space for food trucks and outdoor gathering
The area on University Boulevard from Blackbird’s to intersection of Boyd street is one which receives little foot traffic but with lots of restaurants and retail spaces. There is no communal gathering place and no incentives to make the trip to our section of Campus Corner.
Our goal was to create a place which excited the community and provided a new and innovative approach to an otherwise bland space. In order to find out what people felt was missing on Campus Corner we surveyed members of the community on what they wanted to see in Campus Corner. Our most popular responses were bringing in food trucks and the creation of movie nights. From there we surveyed to see what kinds of food trucks would be the most popular and what types of movies people would want to be shown. We also surveyed to see what day and times were more convenient for these events to take place.
In our final proposal we proposed bringing in food trucks and having a joint movie night once a month on Friday in the space between Blackbird and Whitehand Hall.
Rendering of proposed street view with a food truck Existing Street view Proposed rendered view Existing Street viewMajority of Buchanan Avenue has poor lighting although multiple lamp posts align the streets, many are non functioning. Stores that are currently remodeling or vacant do not have their lights on. The lack of lighting during the night has left a feeling of unease and discomfort, especially for young college students. Overall, the environment can be perceived as “unsafe.”
We figured that lighting would make Buchanan feel more safe since it was the biggest issue that was most present when we scouted the area.
Proposed String Lighting for unsafe areas on Buchanan Avenue
Proposed tree lighting for Buchanan
Proposed lighting for Buchanan Avenue
Group Eleven (11) Amina Arshad, Vanna Moua, Eliza Cazee
Members:
Theme: Location: Solution: Buchanan Avenue Providing lighting.
Campus Corner - Strengthening Space | 25 Unsafe/frightening
Members: Theme: Location: Solution: Buchanan Avenue Incorporating lighting, seating, and guerrilla beautification
Abandoned/empty
Dakota Page, Jamilin Byrom, Leo Campbell, Aidan Ituarte, Samuel Reed, Courtney Stephens
Our first impression of Buchanan Avenue was that it barely felt like a place. If you are not there to hideaway, you are likely to pass straight through and never take a back glance. Between the dismal lighting, the narrow sidewalk, the lack of seating, and the overall challenges. But that does not mean it lacks potential of being made better.
As a group, we visited multiple businesses on the street and found that there is much more creativity and pride here than the eyes can see. Even a few small gestures here and there could make the space feel much more occupied, and a place to visit rather than one you pass through to get to somewhere else. This is what we would define as a “social setting.” We believe that some simple ways to start moving in that direction would be by incorporating lighting, seating, and guerrilla beautification. The sketches we have produced in this presentation give an idea of what we would love to see here long-term, but they should not be interpreted as our literal proposals, rather as visual representations of the direction we imagine Buchanan taking in the future.
Address: 323-327 White St Norman, OK 73069
Existing view of the area and proposed view of the area
Members: Theme: Location: Solution: Asp Implement crosswalk, cleanups and voluntary art events
Emily Haa, Phillip Schmid, Dawson Danne, Rawsen Mitchel, Zaid Verduzc, Braeden Denison
We were assigned area G on the zone map, which correlated with Asp St all the way up to Boyd St. Our challenges came from the three main characteristics from this project; lighter, quicker and cheaper. Once we identified the aspects of Campus Corner we felt needed the most attention, we worked together to create multiple tests on ideas that gave us all the information we needed to solidify a solution. Our first two tests were focused on obtaining information about crosswalks/pedestrian safety. They included multiple polls/surveys as well as an interactive “drawyour-own” activity. The second group of tests targets the idea of community involvement through a Chalk Night. We surveyed people by asking questions and taking polls. We also tested the community’s involvement by going and setting up a chalk-walk ourselves and asking people to create their own art.
After the information had been gathered, we came up with a proposal to implement a crosswalk in a convenient position as well as create community involvement through volunteer cleanups and art events. This will create a safer, cleaner environment to host community events that will attract people to the place.
Campus Corner - Strengthening Space | 27 Abanadoned/empty
Examples of art work that will draw people to the area Art work that would be created by volunteers during art events Perspective view of our proposed crosswalkAbanadoned/empty
Members:
Theme: Location: Solution: White St. and Asp Ave.
Averie Shobert, Joshua Skelton, Erica Smith, Greyson Miller, Sean Kueny, Davis Mear
Provide movable planters, greenery, and solar lighting
Like any aspect of the built environment, Campus Corner has its own share of imperfections. This popular zone in Norman, Oklahoma, noted for its rich variety of commercial and recreational venues, is often cited by visitors for its lack of sufficient green spaces and lighting. As a result, the space may struggle, at times, with maintaining an atmosphere conducive to sociability. After using image editing, logical models, and journey maps to identify key issues and vet solutions, we decided to place movable planters containing hanging or tall vegetation and solar lights at various points around Campus Corner. We christened this concept ‘Plant Place’. Hopefully, it will be able to define spaces for relaxation and socialization within an already well-liked area. And in addition, we hope it will be able to enhance public perception of Campus Corner, which could lead to further invigorated commerce and a stronger perception of community in Norman.
Overlapping vines on in a movable planter installed on Asp Ave.
Rendered view of how we envision Asp Ave.
Members: Theme: Location: Solution: Asp Avenue Additional crosswalks and pedestrian safety signs
Zone G of the Campus Corner project is facing various challenges. For example, it is by far the busiest part of Campus Corner and has a higher pedestrian traffic than vehicular traffic. We found that a major problem on busy days was the traversal between drivers and pedestrians. Our team decided that it would be best if we were able to include ideas that showcased how in fact cheaper ideas could create a safer harmony. Our ideas were to include additional lighting and crosswalks to make Campus Corner a safer place for pedestrians and cars. We found that traditional alternatives to just additional crosswalks would be quite effective. These can vary from string lights to even just pedestrian crossing cones to create a safer environment on Campus Corner. The idea behind our proposal was to be more effective with the space we have to work with. The site was very easy to come up with solutions pertaining to safety but was quite small for further expandable ideas.
Campus Corner - Strengthening Space | 29 Traffic
A view showing how safety signs could be installed in our area to enhance pedestrian safety.
Proposed pedestrian safety sign for our area
Group Sixteen (16)
Members: Theme: Location: Solution: Boyd Street Signage and directory map
30 | Inaccessible/nowhere to sit
Lauren Wood, Haley Praytor, Claire Baker, Kaly Hoemkhuntod, Hannah Hester, and Ellie Burdette
The site our group was assigned is on Boyd Street from Buchanan Avenue to Asp. This is the area that has Pinkberry, Louis, Lucca, and more. The main problems we identified with this area was the lack of accessibility, cleanliness, and seating. As we continued developing ideas and solutions to our problem, we decided to focus on the accessibility issue because in the long run it can have the greatest impact.
To target this issue, we ended with two main ideas that we were testing, changing the orientation of store signs to be blade signs and creating a directory map of the area. After testing and conducting surveys, we found that a directory map would be the easiest to implement with the largest impact.
A section in our area which can accommodate the proposed directory map. A view of our area Directory map to be installed on Boyd Street
Members: Theme: Location: Solution: Boyd Street Storefronts
Kylie Vanover, Heberto Moreira, Will Schmierer, Nick Brawley, Brody Moore, and Carter Cowan
Additional rooftop and sidewalk seating
After our site visit, we identified the following challenges: People are not hanging out outside of the stores, there is inadequate seating making the space unwelcoming, and finally there sidewalks seem very empty.
After an Instagram survey to see what other people thought about the space, we came out with out lighter, quicker, cheaper proposal which is to create additional gathering spaces on Campus Corner in areas that will improve the ambiance.
This would be achieved through rooftop seating and open seating on sidewalks, which will allow more room people to enjoy Campus Corner.
Campus Corner - Strengthening Space | 31 Nowhere to sit
Proposed bar top seating for selected store fronts
Proposed seating for our area
A screenshot of our Instagram survey
Members: Theme: Location: Solution: Deans Row/West Boyd St. intersection
Maintenance, unsafe/frightening
Sam Richburg, Logan Edwards, Trey London, Andrew Reddic, Surba Albert B. Rogers, & Braden Shipman
Lighting and Mural initiative
For this project we were assigned the gas station in front of the Campus Corner market and the alleyway next to the market. The task was to find solutions to the problems this area faced. We discovered that the area was attached with emotions such as fear and discomfort which stems from the lack of cleanliness and inadequate lighting in this area. In addition, this area seemed to be isolated from the rest of Campus Corner. We decided to engage the Campus Corner community to get their input by conducting surveys and tests to see what ideas might be the best for our designated area.
Preceding the input from several sources we finalized our intentions and named it “The LAM Initiative” which stands for Lighting and Mural initiative. Keeping in mind the lighter and cheaper way of doing things, we decided that this was the best way to integrate and rejuvenate this isolated part of Campus Corner. The lighting will create a sense of safety and security and the mural to attract people from far and wide to want to be there and engage with this space.
Members: Theme: Location: Solution: Deans Row/West Boyd St. intersection
The area’s feeling of safety, navigability, overall level of maintenance and traffic can be improved markedly. In determining how we might best improve all these aspects, we aimed to preserve the structure and the public’s ability to recognize the site. But to make serious improvements, the site required serious change. To strike this balance, we aimed for human–friendly and atmospheric improvements that do not require major restructuring.
In order to achieve this, we proposed the following: remodel parking lot, planters, remodel gas station, and install lighting options.
Sketches of our area with Edison lights installed
Story board showing how seating will be installed
Testing Edison lights in our area to see how the will look.
Ben Nishikawa, Shane Erickson, Jackson Crile, and Will White
Remodeling parking lot and improved lighting
Campus Corner - Strengthening Space | 33 Unsafe/frightening
This page offers a selection of possible grants and resources that may apply to public placemaking efforts in Campus Corner.
The National Association of Realtors provides funds up to $5,000 for eligible parks, trails, and play/fitness areas projects. Applicants must coordinate with the local Realtor Association to apply. The placemaking grant offers up to two levels of funding.
https://realtorparty.realtor/community-outreach/ placemaking
Sponsored by Oklahoma’s Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, The TSET Healthy Incentive Grants for Communities provides funds to construct public facilities related to health and wellness. In efforts to promote physical activity opportunities and improve the quality of life among residents, eligible projects include 1) walking trails, 2) sports/recreational facilities, and 3) farmers market.
https://tset.ok.gov/content/healthycommunities-incentive-grants grantsmanagement@tset.ok.gov
The AARP Community Challenge provides grants to fund public places and transportationrelated projects. Public places and transportationrelated projects include the following: 1) open spaces, 2) parks, and 3) bike/walk mobility.
https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/ community-challenge/info-2021/2021-challenge. html
The OGE Energy Corp. Foundation provides funding to 501(c)(3) charities for projects related to enhancing the quality of life and economic wellbeing. Capital improvements costs are ineligible, but this program provides support to park programming. To be eligible, the community must reside within OGE operation areas.