Architecture class takes on freshman quad redesign
Photo courtesy of Kazuo Nakamura
Nakamura’s “Green Quad” design shows his vision for a new freshman quad.
March 19, 2023
With a team of sophomores, juniors and seniors, the Architecture II class will take on its first big project this summer — redesigning Burlingame’s freshman quad.
The aim of the project is to make the area more enjoyable by adding additional seating and improving the environment with greenery.
The process of the redesign was far from simple; in fact, the architecture students and staff have been working on the project for about a year.
“We got involved in the project last spring because we wanted to maintain more of the green space on campus,” architecture teacher Anna Liu said.
Just recently, the class presented its ideas to facilities manager Joseph Tipton and assistant principal Jenny Gibson. The construction is scheduled to take place this summer.
In the spring, the class completed a series of workshops with students and staff members. This past fall, they started work on designs, and students sent out surveys to the students and staff members to find out what they would like to see in that area. Students then worked in teams of three to create preliminary designs and the class held a vote on the top three designs.
Junior Kazuo Nakamura, one of the students whose design made the top three, emphasized the importance of improving the environment of the area.
“What makes my design stand out is that I have really open spaces and lots of greenery,” Nakamura said. “For instance, I’ve got different types of greenery, trees, bushes, grass and other plants. So it will help them relax and relieve the stress from their classes.”
-
A survey conducted by Architecture Class highlighted that most students preferred open spaces.
'
-
A survey conducted by Architecture Class depicted that most students preferred both the sun and the shade.
'
Another top design was created by senior Zane Allred, who focused on meeting the needs of all students, and making sure everyone feels comfortable in the quad.
“My design creates a space for everybody,” said Allred. “There’s spaces for small groups, medium groups, large groups, people who like shade, people who don’t, and it makes the quad feel larger.”
Although the budget is small, the architecture class hopes that this will make a big difference for the students.
“We really want the design to reflect what the community wants,” Liu said. “This is the only project we’ve done with a real budget.”
