MARRIOTT PLAZA RE-MASTER PLAN

Site Assessment/Intro
The Marriott Library Plaza is one of several amenities the University of Utah
currently beholds. Several features within this space are multi-functional and serve
students, faculty and guests with walkability, a sense of place, and access to an
environment of higher education. This area has several functions, boundaries, and
amenities that provide an enriching section of campus for everyone, yet invites
improvements and new development.
The boundaries of the plaza include the main east entrance of the library, and the
border between the large triangular concrete planter of vegetation and HPER
highway on the south side. There is a defined boundary where west entrances of the
Orson Spencer Hall building meets the large Block U fountain at the top of the stairs
leading into the plaza. Finally, the north boundary of the plaza includes the small
walkway and open courtyard just north of the library as well as the large sky light just
east of that leading to the OSH building.
Several elements of the plaza include physical structures, hardscapes, points of
access, drainage, vegetation, and light and shade availability. The main purpose of
the plaza operates as a central location on campus, which provides access to the
library, a meeting location for everyone, and large open walkways to connect varying
locations of campus. Currently the plaza contains a large amount of concrete both
on the ground, as borders for vegetation planters, as seating areas, and boundaries
for the entire area. The ratio of cement to vegetation far exceeds a considered
normal amount and digresses from the comfort of the area. There is a very large
amount of lighting in the plaza due to the lack of tall vegetation and shade structures.
The two largest developed trees are placed on either side of the fountain, however
little shade is available in other locations. In the north courtyard area, there are
several circular cement benches with premature trees in the center of each that will
eventually become fully-grown, however that could take several years. It would be
appropriate to install multiple shade structures, whether that is through vegetation or
more permanent constructions, in order to reduce the amount of light entering the
plaza. Present lighting detracts guests from the plaza particularly during the summer
months as it becomes very hot with temperature increase and lack of shading. The
development of shade structures would invite guests through the summer months as
much as other seasons, as well as distract from the amount of cement present.
Drainage is less apparent for one main reason being that the second floor of the
library sits directly below the plaza. There are two main drains that carry rainwater,
runoff, etc. away from the library and down from campus. The first main drain is in
the center of the plaza and the second drain is in the north courtyard, which provides
drainage for vegetation and runoff as well. Vegetation in the plaza is prominent
surrounding the fountain as well as in two large triangular raised planters on both the
north and south sides. There are several pieces of cement removed to form a
geometric pattern west of the fountain that exhibit small vegetation as well. There is
room for vegetation to be added immensely. The introduction of native plant species

is suggested in order to remain prominent and withstand long-term presence.

One of the largest amenities to the plaza currently is the fountain and seating
immediately surrounding it. Students frequent this location, particularly with warmer
weather. The fountain provides a soundscape away from foot traffic and additional
noise, as much as it is aesthetically pleasing. The fountain is not in operation during
winter months making the plaza less uninviting or compatible with the surrounding
area.
Our group would like to propose three new improvements for the plaza, all of which
will improve upon access, walkability and the connections students warrant in an
educational institution. Issues that must be addressed are the amount of cement the
area contains, the lack of seating available, and the connection between the
courtyard on the north side of the library to the rest of the plaza. The first would be
the development of a caf seating area just east above the fountain directly facing
the OSH building, where students could engage in a closer setting. The second is to
install an amphitheater in the open courtyard area north of the library to host
extracurricular and entertainment events. Finally the amount of cement would be
improved by installing more pervious pavement to the plaza in order to improve upon
drainage. It is important that these issues be addressed and improved in order to
increase the plazas fullest capability and potential.

Amphitheater and Seating Area

The North-Western corner of the plaza is a mostly barren and unused portion
of the plaza that has much potential as functioning space. There are three major
changes to the site that we felt would greatly increase its usability and the sense of
place that it provides to our campus. First, by adding a raised amphitheater to the
corner section of the lot to provide a place for gatherings and activities. Secondly,
would be to change the nine round planters. The size of the planters would be cut
down to increase seating and the planters would be replanted with a taller shade
tree to shade the area. Lastly the unused grassy area to the immediate north of the
library would be made more accessible and provide additional hosting areas.
Currently the corner of the site is an unused concrete open space that is off
the beaten path and serves no useful purpose. We propose that in this corner, a
raised amphitheater could be added to give a more permanent place for the many
activities and displays that are often part of the library plaza. The amphitheater
would need to be raised to give it a prominent position and help draw the eye to the
current mostly overlooked portion of the site. The first reason that this change would
be beneficial is how visible this portion of the plaza is. Being visible not only from
the North to South walk way that many students take, it would be visible by anyone
that takes the main stairs in the front of the library as well because of those students
who visit the book store and book store parking lot. The view from this particular
portion of the plaza is spectacular, with overlooking views of the entire valley as well
as immaculate views of the eastern mountains.
The nine round planters currently provide a maze for any students that take

the outside library stairs. The planters are about four feet tall with round benches
facing outwards into the path making it difficult to have both seating and walking
people using the area as a pathway. We would propose cutting the planters down to
a height of two feet to provide seating inlew of the current benches. Shortening the
planters would also allow for better viewing throughout the area and increase the
amount of communication that can take place and enhance the areas sense of
place by making it a place where people can come together to sit and talk.
A current problem with the area is the lack of shade. The area with the
planters is almost devoid of plants that adequate shade because it currently has
several bushier plants. We would propose that the current plants be replaced with
more shade providing trees to create a cooler and more welcoming environment
during the spring and summer months.
Thirdly, we would make better use of the large grassy area directly north of
the library. Currently with a two foot step up, the grass is mostly inaccessible, taking
away from its potential usefulness. We would propose to add a step up to the area
to increase its accessibility and promote the use of the area. Not only would this
area provide seating during events at the amphitheater, it would also create
additional space during the warmer months.
The final necessity would be the addition of more chairs and tables. Using
the same style as the rest of the plaza, adding more seating to this portion of the site
would greatly increase flow and the overall use of the space. Seating in the grassy
area could be used during all fair weather days and would provide much needed
seating for events. During times when there are no scheduled events in the
amphitheater, it may also be used as a seating area to help create a more usable
space. Overall this is an underutilized space in the site, and with some slight
modifications it can become one of the most used and beloved portions of the
Marriot Library Plaza.

New Paving Surfaces and Additional Vegetation

The Universitys 2008 Master Plan mentions that the Marriott Plazas large scale and
lack of plant material results in an uninviting emptiness (The University of Utah, 656). While this is certainly true, there are many things that could be done to improve
the plazas attractiveness. The previously mentioned recommendations of including
a caf structure on the plazas eastern edge and an amphitheater on its northwest
corner would certainly help to create a more inviting environment. The inclusion of
additional plant material would also help, although the potential for this is limited due
to the fact that much of the plaza is located on top of the Marriott Librarys lower
levels (The University of Utah, 6-56). However, the plazas openness could be
transformed into an asset if appropriate modifications are made.
Currently, the majority of the plaza is paved with a concrete surface. Its light color
serves to reflect heat, which is desirable in warmer months, but it creates a dull and
uninteresting environment. It fails to engage its visitors and does not create a unique
sense of place. The 2008 Master Plan calls for new paving surfaces for the plaza

(Campus Master Plan 6-56). Doing so could help make it stand out from the rest of
campus in a positive way, making it a desirable destination and meeting place. This
is important because its central location makes it an ideal location for individuals
from the universitys many different disciplines to meet and discuss ideas, helping to
foster the interdisciplinary collaboration that the university strives to achieve.
In addition to creating a unique sense of place, utilizing an attractive paving surface
in the plaza would increase its status as an iconic location on the universitys
campus. As such, it could be used as a piece of public art by incorporating designs
with meanings significant to the state and the university as a whole in the plazas
surface. A proposed version of this is shown in Figure 1. It contains triangular
shapes, which, in addition to providing a visual stimulant, would represent the
canyons along the Wasatch Front. A design like this would serve to further connect
the university to the natural environment that surrounds it.
In addition to replacing the plazas current concrete surface with something more
attractive, the new paver should be pervious. There are many benefits to pervious
pavements. These include reducing stormwater runoff volume, lowering peak
discharge rates, and decreasing pollution (Metropolitan Area Planning Council). This
would ultimately result in not only a more attractive and inviting space, but also a
more efficient and ecologically friendly environment.
It has been shown the most people prefer quite a bit of vegetation in and around
plazas along with the enclosure and sense of place this can provide (Ferdous, 1-8).
Because of this, the plaza would be improved by adding more plant material. As
mentioned previously, the potential for this is limited, due to its the plazas location
above the Marriott Librarys lower levels. Despite this, there are some areas with
trees and other vegetation. In particular, the plaza contains an assortment trees near
the fountain. They are located in sections where the plazas pavement has been cut
out and replaced with soil. These cut outs are somewhat sparse and disconnected.
This plan recommends connecting them to provide a bit more vegetation for shading
and increase their aesthetic value. This will serve to give the plaza a slightly more
enclosed feel while only increasing the amount of vegetation on the plaza by a small
amount.

Assessment Plan and Runoff Experiment

The proposed renovations of the Marriott Plaza were organized with three primary
goals: increase the plazas desirability as an eating/studying/socializing area,
beautification without interrupting connectivity, and lowering negative environmental
impacts, particularly runoff from the overabundance of impervious surfaces. To
ensure that these goals are met, attention must be paid prior to, during, and after
construction.
Student needs are frequently difficult to anticipate, and the surest evidence for
the success of the new design will be an increase in student use. If properly
advertised, the new plaza could be used as a tool to bring in members of the greater
Salt Lake City valley as well. Building student and community awareness could be

achieved through a pair of banners at each end of the plaza announcing the
construction a few months in advance, and newspaper/internet articles or television
reports would spread the word further. If people are excited about the process and
have the opportunity to follow its progress it will build a strong sense of place and
help increase travel to and from the university. To effectively monitor the success of
the new plaza headcounts should be performed before and after occupancy (ideally
multiple times at differing parts of the year). In addition, short student satisfaction
and use surveys could be performed and compared. If a strong sense of place has
been achieved for both students and members of the community, the plaza should
see an increase in people both entering and staying in the area.
Currently, the plazas main use is as a travel hub. It directly connects the
HPER mall to the union and presidents circle as well as the areas surrounding the
social services building. While all three proposed design elements are to encourage
the Marriott Plaza to be revitalized as an area for people to come and stay, its
critical for the plaza to retain its primary use as a campus connectivity center. While
none of the proposed additions are expected to greatly increase travel time, this can
be confirmed through the previously recommended student surveys. Paying special
attention to travel through the newly developed flower beds and other non-paved
areas are also excellent indicator that walkway needs are not being met.
The majority of rainfall on campus runs off into either Red Butte Stream or the
Jordan River and eventually the Great Salt Lake. In addition to any pollutants that
are transported by the runoff the efficiency of our sewage system and the relative
ease that water flows over cement cause a massive increase in stream flashiness,
the amount of discharge during a short time. This contributes to stream erosion and
can be damaging to stream flora/fauna as well as adjacent property. To mitigate the
University of Utahs stormwater contribution, permeable pavement has been
proposed to cover approximately half of the plaza with the other half split between
traditional impermeable pavement and grassy areas. The combination of these
three surfaces in a small area presents a valuable opportunity to study the
effectiveness of each to slow stormwater and lower stream flashiness. While deep
water infiltration is undesirable due to the proximity of the library, the few feet
between the permeable surface and the impermeable layer is expected to greatly
lower the speed of transit. A similar system of drains is already in place in the
grassy areas directly over the library. Simple stream gauges similar to those used
by the United States Geological Survey could be placed in the sewer system a short
distance from their catchment area and would provide valuable data for site
evaluation and the efficacy of permeable pavements as an alternative to traditional
cement. The information would have to be compared in context to the varying
catchment sizes throughout the plaza, but should still be a valuable case
study. Ideally gauges could also be incorporated before the construction to provide
additional comparison, but they would be very difficult and costly to implement and
are unlikely to be worth the effort they would need. A real time display comparing
the different runoff rates could be made available either via website or a monitoring
station in the library and could aid public awareness of the issue and its possible
solutions.