South Campus might soon have a new, greener sight.
Jerry Guerrier, an architect for Facilities Services, said his department is working on plans to add a plant façade to the now-cement Craige parking deck.
The deck, which was never designed to have expansions made to it, was recently renovated to add an additional 1,200 spots, Guerrier said. He said during the renovation of the deck, Facilities Services had plans to add precast brick panel designs on the deck but the project came in over-budget.
“About two years later the Board of Trustees inquired about if there is a way for us to enhance the appearance on that deck along Manning Drive,” he said.
To do this, Guerrier said Facilities Services is looking to create a “green screen” system that places wiring over the openings in the deck’s face that will support plant growth. Along with alternating sections of perforated metal siding, the design is planned to go two-thirds of the way up the structure, he said.
“It’s basically, if you think about it, it’s this mesh metal system that allows vines and plants on it to grow so it’s covered with plant life,” Guerrier.
Guerrier said along with the beautification of the deck façade, the grounds around the deck also have plans to get beautified.
“We already have trees and plants there, we’re going to enhance it with more plantings,” he said.
Anna Wu, associate vice chancellor for facilities operations, planning and design, said the green screen project is still undergoing a feasibility study in which the cost and structural soundness of the project will be assessed.
