Hydrosystems Laboratory Expansion and Renovation
Hydrosystems Laboratory Expansion and Renovation
The University of Illinois is advancing a major renovation and expansion of the Civil Engineering Hydrosystems Laboratory, including a new pedestrian bridge connecting to the Newmark Civil Engineering Building. As part of this transformation, Upland Design Ltd. partnered with the Reifsteck Reid & Company Architecture team to elevate the outdoor experience and strengthen campus connectivity.
Upland Design led the design of a new pedestrian plaza, enhanced landscape framework, site furnishings, and clear at-grade pedestrian connections between the Hydrosystems and Newmark buildings. These improvements create intuitive, welcoming spaces that support daily movement, informal gathering, and collaboration within the engineering campus.
A key design focus was strengthening the connection between the engineering quad and the Main Street corridor—a critical interface where pedestrians and vehicles converge. The design prioritizes safety, comfort, and clarity, creating a seamless and inviting transition between academic spaces and the broader campus context.
The resulting exterior improvements reinforce the University’s commitment to high-performing academic environments, blending functionality with a refined campus identity. The images shown illustrate Upland Design’s vision for an engaging, accessible, and cohesive outdoor setting prepared for presentation to the University.
Project Details
CLIENT
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
PROJECT TYPE
Education, Streetscapes & Transportation
Project Gallery
