Office of the University Architect

Campus Master Plan

The Texas A&M University 2017 Campus Master Plan provides a framework and guidelines for future campus development that will enable Texas A&M to realize its goals in creating a true learning/living laboratory.

Table of Contents

• Chapter 01 Introduction – page 7
• Chapter 02 Existing Conditions and Observations – page 29
• Chapter 03 Campus Development Plan – page 69
• Chapter 04 Mobility and Safety – page 149
• Chapter 05 Sustainability and Wellness – page 201
• Chapter 06 Campus Guidelines – page 233
• Chapter 07 Heritage Conservation – page 354
• Chapter 08 Wayfinding and Signage – page 393
• Chapter 09 Appendix – page 441

About the Campus Master Plan

Campus environments are continually evolving with new physical growth in support of a university's mission as defined by its history and traditions. A Campus Master Plan provides a framework or "road map" for the future. It is a tool to better inform built environment decisions that align strategic planning priorities with anticipated growth while preserving heritage spaces and buildings.

The 2004 Campus Master Plan serves as a framework to better inform built environment decisions that align TAMU's strategic planning priorities in support of the university's mission and vision. The focus is on the following six areas:

• Campus Development Plan
• Mobility and Safety
• Sustainability and Wellness
• Heritage Conservation
• Wayfinding and Signage
• Campus Guidelines

Underlying goals and objectives of the six focus areas are enhancement of the student experience, campus connectivity (physical connections and interdisciplinary connections of the academic community), and an integrated vision of the campus landscape and its facilities.

The Office of the University Architect strives to enhance, conserve and promote sustainable practices for the well-being of our students, faculty and staff and the built environment as outlined in Texas A&M University's Campus Master Plan, "to promote sustainability by teaching, planning, and acting in an environmentally sustainable manner."

Per university directive, buildings should be designed to qualify for a LEED Silver Rating. Buildings should be designed with environmentally sustainable features to minimize the environmental impact caused by their construction and to minimize operational energy use.

Texas A&M University Buildings with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified ratings include:

• Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Building (ILSB) – LEED Gold Certified
• The Mitchell Physics Building – LEED Silver Certified
• Emerging Technologies Building (ETB) – Designed to LEED Silver Standards
• Agricultural Headquarters Building – Designed to LEED Silver Standards
• Memorial Student Center – Designed to LEED Silver
• YMCA – Designed to LEED Silver
• Texas A&M Transportation Institute – LEED Gold Certified
• Cox-McFerrin Center For Aggie Basketball – LEED Gold Certified

Capital projects involve construction and/or renovation with an anticipated investment greater than or equal to $4 million, modification to the campus plan or changes to campus appearance, and arts and memorials. These projects require capital plan submission and are led by the OUA to ensure compliance with university standards. The project process is depicted through this flowchart.

A project request form is submitted to the university architect at universityarchitect@tamu.edu. Once the details have been confirmed, the request is reviewed by the Executive Facilities Committee (EFC). If approved, a detailed project plan is developed by the university architect in collaboration with Campus Construction Management. Once approved, the project is then reviewed by the Campus Architectural Review Committee. Due to its funding level, the project is added as part of the overall capital plan. A program of requirements (POR) is then completed with a final review by the EFC before advancing to The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents for official approval.

Campus Architectural Review Committee

The Campus Architectural Review Committee (CARC) represents the university community, including faculty, staff and students, to ensure that changes to the physical form of the campus meet the standards and intent of the Campus Master Plan and reflect the high qualities and values of the university. During its biweekly meetings, the CARC reviews major planning, landscape and architectural projects to monitor quality and master plan compliance or discuss modification of the Campus Master Plan. The CARC’s recommendations are sent to the President for approval following each review.

The CARC reviews projects at several phases, including the program of requirements (POR), conceptual design (if applicable), schematic design and design development. Presentations to the CARC are coordinated with the CARC Coordinator.

Program of Requirements

A completed program of requirements (POR) is required per The Texas A&M University System Capital Planning Policy 51.01 before a project may be entered into the current year of the 5-Year Texas A&M System Capital Plan. A project must be included in the current year of the capital plan in order to appropriate funding for the design.

The POR establishes the vision and defines the programmatic requirements for the proposed facility to support academic and research initiatives. The basic components of the POR include general project and campus information; project team members; project description, which includes justification, strategic plan imperatives, narrative and general requirements, and maintenance plan; budget and schedule; project life cycles as they pertain to building systems; and programming specifics such as project site information, room adjacencies, stacking diagrams, project space lists, test fits, room data sheets and select images to convey project vision.

The Office of the University Architect will lead and guide members of the campus community through the POR process from selection of the programming firm to completion of the document.

Campus Banner Procedures

Banners displayed on building exteriors are used to celebrate special events or acknowledge significant dates for programs, buildings, and/or achievements. All exterior banners require approval. Allowable types of banners typically fall into one of two categories:

• Event Banners: May be installed for up to three weeks; one week before the event, one week during the event, and one week after the event.
• Anniversary Banners: May be installed for up to one year (the year being celebrated) but must be removed one year to date from the date of installation.

Banners utilized as a wayfinding tool are not in alignment with the allowable categories and will not be approved. Learn more about Campus Banner Procedures.

Tree Protection Procedures

Texas A&M University Tree Protection Requirements are based on the recommendations of the 2017 Campus Master Plan for construction operations within 30 feet of a tree canopy. This includes the placement or storage of materials, supplies, and equipment around trees. These requirements provide specific guidance on mobilization, excavation and coordination/notification. It is the responsibility of the organization excavating to be knowledgeable of the full tree protection requirements outlined in the Facility Design Guidelines (FDG) Section 32.