Research Commons Park

Using Landscape Architecture to Foster Sustainable Communities
Durham, North Carolina

Research Commons Park has grown from its preexisting 55-acre campus with the addition of 510,000 square feet of new life science development space. Our firm was selected as a sub-consultant to Integrated Design to provide site design plans for the new space. Led by our landscape architecture team, our efforts included civil engineering, environmental, landscape architecture, surveying, and traffic engineering services.

To promote the mental health of employees and encourage connection, various green spaces and terraces were included throughout the site. Care was taken to incorporate technological elements within and extend internet connection to the outdoor terraces, creating community co-working spaces. Environmental plans included a meadow with walking paths and a bee keeping station to support natural ecological functions. We also designed bioretention areas composed of recycled materials, using a manufactured topsoil blend for a more carbon-conscious approach that supported the client’s corporate social responsibility goals. 

510,000

square feet of life science development space

3

outdoor terraces

1

meadow with bee keeping station

Our firm also completed a traffic impact analysis study to determine if the traffic generated by the proposed development could potentially impact the surrounding roadway network. This data played a critical role in developing site plans that efficiently move both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, while remaining visually appealing. To accommodate the addition of four new leasable buildings without reducing the amount of parking, our team worked with our client to create a plan to convert existing surface parking into a structured parking deck.

All elements of the design were customized to our client’s unique needs, down to the custom granite benches, handrails, and signage. Plans were elevated from both a design and environmental perspective with the intent of attracting tenants that aligned with the client’s sustainability goals. Using our parametric modeling software, we created impactful site renderings that enhanced our collaboration with Integrated Design’s architects and established a deeper understanding of our comprehensive vision. Additionally, our team’s ability to discretely integrate the site’s required infrastructure into our master plan contributed to the client’s goal of maintaining a campus-like feel throughout the development.

The emphasis on environmental responsibility is helping the development target a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Gold® certification.

Owner

Research Commons Park

Client

Integrated Design

Targeted Certification

LEED Gold®

Services

  • Engineering
  • Geospatial, Mapping and Survey
  • Planning, Consulting and Advisory

Markets

  • Real Estate and Commercial Development

Regions

  • Southeast