Future Foundations

What are our ideas for the future?

The planning principles we established, combined with our assessment of current strengths and challenges of the Newark Campus, have led to the development of some general concepts for the University's future growth. These include the following ideas:

1. Use coherent growth and planning principles to address the challenges the campus presents.

These principles include utilizing integrated design concepts to make the best and most sustainable use of space, implementing such improvements as integrated storm-water management systems with all future development, and protecting and restoring ecological features as much as possible.

2. Preserve the traditional historic core of the campus, recognizing and developing it as the central academic and social hub of the University.

Continue to be good stewards of the existing buildings and land in this area, while exploring development opportunities on the South Green consistent with the scale of existing buildings.

3. Build connections among the parts of the campus that now are segmented.

On both the North and South campuses, for example, we must protect and enhance the natural systems while encouraging and strengthening connections to other parts of the campus for pedestrians and bicyclists. On the North Central part of campus, a vibrant destination/focal point of activity could be created.

4. Expand to the east, making strategic use of height and density to avoid sprawl.

Buildings with a high demand for utilities infrastructure, for example, could be grouped on the Central East campus, which could also become the site of a vibrant residential community. On the Central West campus, avoid expanding into established neighborhoods and continue to make use of Elkton Road as an entry corridor, particularly for programs with extensive outreach components.

5. Provide a clear sense of arrival and identity by creating strategic points of entry to the campus.

One entry portal could be established on Wyoming Road, connecting the Delaware Biotechnology Institute with the central campus.