Rice University
PAE-3: Physical Campus Plan

A major component of the Rice Campus Master Plan is the improvement of storm water retention, environmental infrastructure, and the incorporation of green space. The entire Rice campus is aligned along a central axis, allowing for both a linear park through campus, as well as the positioning of most buildings in such a way as to take advantage of the sun's path. Due to the city's vulnerability to tropical storms and floods, Rice makes dedication of land for water retention a priority. In addition to this, Rice has been experimenting with various porous pavements, green roofs, and native plants, in an effort to reduce stormwater runoff. In a recent move to provide an opportunity for education on plants, trees and sustainability issues, the space surrounding the South Plant has been designated the Harris Gully Natural Area. This land features a wide selection of native plants and wildflowers and is intended as a hotspot for local biodiversity and as non-formal green space. One direct outcome from the plan was the placement of a new physics building (Brockman Hall) in an in-fill location rather than on a greenfield site. The new building features two parallel bars, and the north bar is elevated with extensive green space and shaded seating beneath, a step to preserve open space while enabling physical growth. The Rice Campus Master Plan was originally adopted in 1904 and has been updated regularly since.