Campus Lake - Virginia Beach, Virginia

TCC Lakefront Bridge and Campus Signage Master Plan
The creation of value at this lakefront starts by establishing the lakefront as a desirable destination and place to be for students and visitors alike. Originating as a burrow pit by- product to a landfill effort, the care and consideration of its shape, edge, and final appearance was non-existent. Its central position on campus was once viewed as a time consuming obstacle for the pedestrian traveling from building to building.

As a suburban style campus with a commuter based student population, campus entries lacked identification. The campus is surrounded by a ring of parking and directional information was totally absent.

The plan attempts to balance the need for private revenues with the equally profound need for an accessible, vibrant and desirable destination for boaters and tourist and dignitaries from all over the world.

The project became: What would signify campus to the community, lead the visitor through the grounds and celebrate campus life at the lake?

The waterfront pedestrian/gathering experience on the Tidewater Community College Virginia Beach Campus is now at the core of "Student Life Planning" for this campus. This plan's framework was about defining "sense of place" and the daily positive experience this body of water could offer the pedestrians and all who enter the campus grounds.

Contextual aspects of the physical environment visible to the public include the campus entries, open spaces, the buildings that help frame them, and vistas off campus from Princess Anne Road at the south end of the lake. Study proved that enhanced campus identity from this off campus vantage point was a must. Strong graphic campus entry statements and information gathering opportunities would set the campus apart from its surrounding residential setting.

The TCC logo is an abstraction of turquoise colored banner waves signifying the Tidewater region. Carrying this graphic further into campus entry signage development and architectural forms became a natural part setting the course for the project design direction, detailing, and graphics that followed. This added depth and continuity for the overall image development for the college.

Study of the lake front edge identified the need to promote the essential relationship between the land and water experience. Visual closure for the southward view across the lake and the need for the pedestrian to cross the lake was a natural for bridge development. The bridge sets new boundaries and provides a gathering node celebrated with a sculptural canvas awning. Enhanced sidewalk and landscape development with bulkhead detailing expanded to become promenade/platform like will redefine this lake's edges and make it a place of arrival to socialize, study or reflect.