Building from an existing campus framework plan, KMDG transformed the primary campus cores which have, in the past two decades, become overrun with cars rendering the campus out of sync with its agricultural hilltop setting. Set as a top priority by the school’s President, the team used long-needed subsurface utility work as the impetus to transform the surfaces of these campus roads into pedestrian-scaled spaces that invite gathering and interaction by students, faculty and staff. The upgrades also provide the opportunity to bring the buildings up to code by redesigning the entrances to remove stairs and increase accessibility on campus. Pressured by the scholastic schedule, design and construction processes happened on very efficient and tight time lines that required design and detailing strategy.

Converting Bixler Drive to a pedestrian-first corridor creates a reinvigorated connection between the eastern and western parts of campus and supports spill-out activity from the Colby College Museum of Art—the school’s preeminent public-facing venue. Other spatial opportunities to support student life include smaller places to sit and pause. Additionally, the science curriculum is supported with a ‘garden’ of large geological samples from an array of locations across the State of Maine that make a place to spend time or learn.