Pedestrian Circulation

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Pedestrian Circulation

Brock University Campus Plan

2.5 The internal, interconnected nature of the pedestrian circulation networkatBrock University is one of the most unique features of the campus. It is a

feature that many people value for its convenience and comfort. It does,however, create challenges related to way-finding , the capacity to accommo-date new growth and opportunities to structure campus development.

The Campus Plan recognizes the high value of the interior pedestrian networkand provides opportunities to either extend it or effectively connect it to aconventional series of exterior pedestrian walks and streets. Opportunitiesto address "bottle-necks" in the interior pedestrian networkare identified, asare opportunities to improve way-finding and the overall quality of theplaces within the network. This last point is particularly important, foralthough the campus is relatively small, many members of the University community feel isolated because there is not a corresponding publicroom or focal point for student life that connects to the interior pedestrian system . As the campus grows, it will become even more important thatpublic spaces be created that allow students, staff and faculty to cometogether. The proposed pedestrian main street addresses this need.

The interior pedestrian networkdoes much more than provide for internal cir-culation. As the interior pedestrian networkhas taken on the role of streetsand open spaces for much of the campus, it also defines much of thecampus structure and where new growth can occur. Circulation systems,in general, shape development sites and this network is no exception.

Finally, although the separation of pedestrian networks from the circula-tion of cars, buses and bicycles has many benefits, there will naturally be aneed for these networks to be brought together on a suburban campus likethat of Brock University. In fact, given the relatively distinct nature of thecampus circulation systems, particular attention has been paid to thedesign of those places where cars, buses, pedestrians and cyclists cometogether, to ensure that these places are safe and that way-finding is directand intuitive. These "meeting places" are often the most interesting andanimated places to be and the Campus Plan proposes the redefinition of University Road as just this sort of place, to augment and expand the drop-off, transit hub, and entry functions that already exist on Brock Mall North in front of Schmon Tower.

In new development areas on the campus, and in the Village, the conven-tional network of pathways, sidewalks and trails should be augmented andextended. In many cases these pedestrian routes will need to be in prox-imity to, intersect, or share space with other means of circulation. Inevery case, the pedestrian must be safe and protected.

Much of the pedestrian cirulation on thecampus is confusing and of uninspiringdesign.

More attention to the design and materialsof pedestrian routes is a relatively easy andcost effective way to dramatically improvethe appearance of the campus.


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Figure 23: Primary Pedestrian Network


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The following polices will help shape the campus pedestrian networks.

2.5.1 The Interior Pedestrian Network

1. Create a pedestrian main street as a more direct and generous circula-tion route between the Walker Complex Courtyard and Jubilee Court, inte-grated with a clear and intuitive connection to the upper level of theMackenzie Chown Complex.

2. Recognize the public nature of the interior pedestrian network with anappropriate level of furnishings and finishes.

3. Re-open views to the exterior through the reintroduction of lounge space, computer rooms, or other public, transparent rooms at thenorth and south ends of Thistle Courtyard.

4. Rationalize circulation through the Mackenzie Chown Complex tocreate a more direct and generous route. This can be achieved if furtheradditions are made to the south of the Complex, as proposed in theCampus Plan.

5. Important social or public spaces should have a direct connectionto the interior pedestrian networkand any renovation of the Alumni StudentCentre should include improvements to its connection to this system.



Figure 24: Extension of the campus pedes-trian network across all of the Universitysproperties and into the surrounding context.

Views from the interior pedestrian network to the exterior landscape should be created

wherever possibe. This will help orientpedestrians within the network andemphasis the Universitys distinct sense ofplace.


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6. Stairways and elevators should be easy to find and closely integrat-ed into the design of public places.

7. All interior pedestrian routes must be accessible to the mobility challenged.

8. Pedestrian routes, whether internal, external, or a combination of both, should be continuous, clear and relatively direct.

9. Every effort to relate the interior pedestrian networkback toentrances at grade should be made. The main corridors of the interior

pedestrian networkexist at ground level in the Thistle Complex and the Walker Complex. In the Mackenzie Chown Complex, Taro Hall and the Alumni Student Centre the primary level for interior circulation is at thesecond level above ground. In portions of DeCew Residence, the primary pedestrian circulation is slightly below ground level.

The division of the main corridors of the interior pedestrian networkontodifferent building levels can be disorienting and disperses the activity and vitality public spaces foster. As well, interior pedestrian routes at groundlevel have a more direct relationship to exterior spaces. The extension of interior pedestrian routes west of Schmon Tower will be at ground level.

A significant investment has been made in the creation of an active pedes-trian network at the second level above ground to the east of Schmon

Tower and it may make sense to extend this network at this level to theeast of the existing development, however, extending it to entrances atgrade is preferred. The creation of the University Centre and renovations tothe Alumni Student Centre may provide these opportunities.

2.5.2 North-South Pedestrian Connections

1. As the majority of campus growth will occur to the south of theexisting buildings, the southerly extension of higher order pedestrian con-nections will be particularly important. These should be located at themain entrance to the Walker Complex, on axis with the pedestrian walkway east of Welch Hall, and on axis with the Canadian Tire Bridge.Consideration should be given to another north-south pedestrian connec-tion from the Mackenzie Chown Complex that would be developed inconjunction with any anticipated addition to the Complex.

2. North-south connections may be either interior or exterior, how-ever, they should be designed and articulated in such a manner that theirrelative importance and hierarchy within the circulation networkcan beunderstood.

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Corridors along the exterior edge ofbuildings will help bring a sense of thenatural environment inside. There shouldbe many windows and doors to open up tocourtyards and exterior spaces to takeadvantage of good weather.

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2.5.3 University Road

1. University Road will be developed as a primary pedestrian spine that will be the main point of integration of the pedestrian network with auto-mobile drop-off, way-finding for the entire campus and the transit network.

2. Two new entry courts will be developed along the length of University Road to complement Brock Mall North . These entry courts will bedesigned so they are integrated with University Road and so that the pedes-trian environment takes precedence over other means of movement.

3. Totems or markers will identify the intersection of University Road with the north-south pedestrian connections and the places or facultiesassociated with each.

4. While the overall character of University Road will be consistentthroughout its length, design details and identification of other places will

be integrated to allow for variation and local identity.

2.5.4 Trails

1. The Bruce Trail will be signed and its profile raised as part of thecampus experience.

2. The pedestrian network will be extended across the campus and will connect to the Bruce Trail wherever possible.

3. A new trail will be created within the landscape buffer along Glenridge Avenue and Merritville Highway.

4. A new trail will be created withinVillage Park to connect the twoarms of the Bruce Trail.

5. A new series of campus trails will connect development betweenthe Village and academic expansion areas and South Campus .

6. The existing trails down the Niagara Escarpment from the MainCampus to North Campus will be formalized.

7. Brock University will advocate for direct and continuous pedestri-

an and bicycle trail connections from Shaver Gate to the new regional park and East Campus .

8. Brock University will advocate for direct and continuous pedestri-an and bicycle trail connections along St. David's Road eastward fromSt. David's Gate .

9. The location of pedestrian trails through the existing wooded areasouth of Brock Circle should avoid disrupting the wooded area and related



Pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular movementshould be integrated into the design ofUniversity Road . The design should givepedestrians priority to ensure their comfortand safety.

The presence of the Bruce Trail on the cam-pus should be highlighted. New trails willconnect Main Campus to North Campus andthe Lake Moodie landscape .


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environment as little as possible. Priority should be given to using existing trails, rather than introducing new trails.

2.5.5 Accessibility

Brock University will prepare and approve an Annual Accessibility Planunder the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2001).

Representatives of the office of Services for Students with Disabilities who are aware of and knowledgeable about disability issues should beinvolved in the design development and planning of building and land-scape projects on the campus. Involvement may include representation onproject and/or planning committees or other means of consultation, asappropriate.

The built environment of the University will be designed so that it isaccessible to all people, including those with disabilities. Persons with dis-

abilities should be able to approach, enter, and pass to and from, enjoy andmake use of an area and its facilities without undue difficulties and with-out assistance.

Changes to the natural environment of the University to enhance accessby the campus and broader communities will take into consideration theopportunity to provide for the safe use of these areas by persons with dis-abilities.

Buildings and facilities leased by Brock University for its own use will besubject to the same accessibility policies as those the University constructsfor itself, where appropriate and to the extent possible.

Parking in proximity to campus buildings should be provided for persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities should be given preference in theuse of pockets of parking .

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Pedestrian Circulation