UMKC’s undulating urban campus is both picturesque and compact, a gem nestled in the heart of Kansas City. With limited space available, Landscape Architect Matt Evett developed a new plan for the 51st Street corridor that reimagined it as a pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare—a colorful, dynamic space that functions as a welcoming venue for all while also incorporating moments of respite. 

One key challenge was that UMKC still had essential operational and public safety requirements, including uninterrupted fire truck and delivery access, to which a flexible bollard system was introduced. The design then took shape through a series of concept studies, test fits, and conversations. One idea that emerged was dedicating one-third of the space to bike, scooter, and golf cart connectivity. The designated path accommodates campus tours and even food trucks during special events. 

Moveable site furnishings are rich in color, warm and inviting, and visually distinctive—with the added ability to incorporate landscaping. The Vestre Stripe, a circular bench/planter hybrid, invites group seating while introducing greenery to soften the space. The Stoop, a three-tiered seating element, offers terraced seating perfect for students socializing or simply people-watching. Other tables and chairs can be rearranged throughout the day to accommodate everything from casual meetups to large-scale campus events.

Finally, the design team collaborated with the university’s branding team to develop a decorative graphic paving pattern using thermoplastic color sheets, heat-applied for durability and vibrancy, that far outlast standard paint. While blue and yellow are UMKC’s primary colors, a full spectrum of secondary and tertiary hues add richness and depth to the plaza.