Roo Plaza

Project Vision:

UMKC’s undulating urban campus is picturesque and compact. The campus is limited on space and every bit is critical when considering opportunities for new buildings, parking or open green space. Campus leadership made it a priority to bolster the exterior amenities and to explore and develop underutilized campus spaces. The 51st Street corridor goal is to transform a key section of the UMKC campus from Rockhill Road to Cherry Street, into a vibrant, multifunctional public space.

Project Challenges:

The design challenges on the project were few but significant in terms of campus function. 51st Street was vacated by the City of Kansas City, however, UMKC had operational and public health needs that would not completely keep vehicular traffic off this newly adopted pedestrian focused corridor. First and foremost, fire truck access had to remain for the total length of the corridor. UMKC also still needed access for occasional deliveries to a couple of the buildings that rely on 51st Street access. The challenge was creating a bollard system that could be easily removed for fire access and large deliveries while keeping everyday vehicle access out of this corridor. The other challenge was the project budget. The budget was modest and wouldn’t stretch the entire site.

Project Solutions:

The design evolved through concept studies, site furnishing test fits and a myriad of fruitful conversations. The final design approach focused heavily on creating a place that is functionally flexible, vibrant and a social destination.
Through the ideation process the concept of creating bike connectivity became an important feature to consider. This bike infrastructure provided an opportunity for cyclists and scooters but also serve as the path for fire and delivery truck access along with the universities campus tours which utilizes golf carts. We split the corridor in thirds with 1/3 for bike lanes and 2/3rds for site furnishings, decorative pavement markings and yard games/activities.
We wanted a family of site furnishings that were movable, had an extensive color palette, were warm and inviting, unique in look at feel and had the ability to incorporate landscape. After evaluations of several manufacturers we selected Vestre furnishings. The Vestre Strip (circular bench/planter) provides the opportunity for folks to sit together as a group while also adding landscape to soften up the space. The Stoop is a three tiered seating element that allows terraced seating for students who are socializing or people watching. Tables and chairs make up the rest of the furniture that can be moved around as groups fluctuate throughout the day.
We worked with UMKC’s branding group in developing the decorative paving pattern. The thermoplastic color sheets are heat applied to give the graphic a long live over standard paint. This also allows for a more vivid application that helped support our goal of making in an impactful and vibrant place. Blue and yellow are UMKC’s main colors but we explored all options and delve into the branding guides secondary and tertiary colors to create a richness to the plaza.
Removable bollards and Vestre planters are incorporated at each access point of the corridor. The bollards are removable for deliveries and breakaway in case emergency vehicle access. This keeps pedestrians on the corridor safe by keeping everyday vehicles out. Bollards are alternating blue and yellow to make it obvious that there is a barrier ahead with no access.