University of Miami
Coral Gables Campus, FL
Curtis and Rogers has completed a number of projects for UM over the years:
Frost School of Music - Curtis + Rogers collaborated with HOK to develop a Master Plan for the school of Music at the University of Miami. Phase 1 of this LEED project was completed in 2015. The planting is lush and tropical in keeping with the rest of the University, with the addition of native and drought tolerant plants for water conservation. The paving design plays with the use of musical notes in subtle soft colors that culminates with the main entry plaza and courtyard that depicts the first bars of the school's Alma Mater.
University Village Townhomes – In 2002, Curtis + Rogers was retained by the University to provide design services for the development of new student housing. The design reflects a “Village Concept” with multiple buildings situated around signature courtyards. Then in 2018, C+R was asked to provide recommendations for ways to improve the swales in the Village. Our report and documentation laid out recommendations for replacing sections on the swales with a pervious material, and planting groundcovers around the trees. Today, the curb-less street lined with live oaks provides a comfortable microclimate for students making their way to class.
Intramural Fields – In October of 2018, Curtis + Rogers worked with the University of Miami to expand and replace the existing intramural fields for the Coral Gables campus, add a buffer wall and widen the public sidewalk along the adjacent road to allow bicyclists and pedestrians to use simultaneously. Every tree along the adjacent road, San Amaro, had to be moved or removed, and the University agreed to relocate them instead of just removing. 46 mature trees were successfully relocated, and a new buffer wall was constructed, and the public sidewalk widened to 10’. The fields were re-worked with new drainage, sub-base and irrigation, and new Bermuda sod.
Frost Institute – In June of 2020, the University retained Curtis + Rogers to provide design services related to the development of a new building on campus – the Frost Institute of Chemical and Molecular Research. As the University expands its facilities within the gables’ campus, finding a site with minimal impact to the iconic campus landscape was a challenge. C+R’s solution to the limitations was a grand relocation plan for about 20 specimen oak trees that lined perimeter of the selected site. Moving them South towards the open lawn in front of the School of Business gave space for the trees to be rearranged into a grove and created a space for students to enjoy time outside while sitting in a comfortable microclimate.