Principle Three

Reinforce Texas Woman's Denton campus identity, history and culture while preserving natural elements.

Strategic Goals

Solidify Denton campus identity

• Use architecture and landscape to emphasize campus entries
  • Defining clear and distinct entrances to the Denton campus reinforces the Texas Woman’s University campus identity, enhances safety, and creates a more walkable campus. The diagrams located below illustrate the masterplan strategy of removing vehicles from the core of campus to clear for pedestrians and relocate main entrances to the perimeter of the campus.
  • Distinct building forms, artwork, or plantings are identifiable elements for campus gateways. Donor opportunities could also be considered for:
    • A tall monument or tower to the west campus entry
    • A named walking trail with distinct flora that can accentuate the east campus entry
    • Civic or conferencing center at the east entrance
• Establish architectural guidelines
  • Georgian Architectural Style
  • Biophilia
• Establish signage guidelines
  
  • In 2008, the university commissioned signage design guidelines by 3-DG Environmental Graphics. The masterplan aligns with several of the exterior signage recommendations in the Conceptual University Identity and Wayfinding Program Phase One Report, dated March 14.
    • Campus entrances should by marked with architectural portals and integrated signage
    • Popular visitor destinations are difficult to locate and navigate to, such as the Little Chapel in the Woods
    • Signage should be clear, concise and hierarchical; devoid of clutter and nonessential information
    • A parking strategy should be developed with associated branding and graphics
    • A limited number of signage templates and more streamlined color palette, would unify the signage and limit visual distraction; uniform size and color of similar signs
    • Signage fabrication materials should be UV and weather resistant to limit maintenance and remain fresh and vibrant
  • HKS was asked to review and provide comments on the Environmental Graphic Standards issued in May of 2008:
    • The four main Denton campus entrances should be marked with architectural portals that one passes through. “Texas Woman’s University” can be incorporated into the gateway, instead of a free-standing sign
    • The self-supporting vehicular directional pedestrian campus maps, parking lot, and building identification signage 3-DG recommended is simple and modest. It may be a little plain (or too contemporary) and not as impactful as the campus’s neoclassical brick and stone buildings. The supporting structure is the same color as the sign. This and the dimensions make the signs appear heavy. Changing the color or providing some relief may give hierarchy to the informational content of the sign, instead of the sign itself. If the style of the signs was designed in a similar family of the selected light poles and street furniture, this could help integrate signage into the placemaking and wayfinding strategies proposed
    • A sign typology with an angled reading plane for instructional or display purposes should also be developed to support the education goals of the master plan to designate historic or commemorative places, the creek ecology, natural stormwater management and other natural features, the vegetable garden, etc.
    • Signage can have different hierarchical qualities based on the formality of spaces, such as different banner strategies, to evoke a sense of place within the various precincts
    • There have been many advances in digital signage since this exploration. This and the prevalence of the smart phone as a wayfinding device warrants additional exploration.
• Create a unique sense of place
  • The Mall: The Mall is the central spine of the campus where one can gain an understanding of where they are located on campus. The spine can be used for wayfinding in this sense where other campus locations radiate from this area. The character of the mall area is meant to be diverse and to showcase some of the campus’s greatest proposed and existing iconic features. Incorporation of Campus Gateways, formal lawns, quads, creek experiences and places for relaxation and recreation can enhance the overall quality of life for the people utilizing these spaces, as well as provide an overall sense of place for the University. One of these places is the campus Quad. Currently the campus core has wonderful elements that are enjoyed today by students, faculty, and visitors alike; however, the sloping areas are underutilized formal campus lawn that could be utilized for graduation ceremonies and other events. This can embody the heart of the campus while keeping some of the existing elements that are loved today.
  • Aside from the Quad, a variety of other Mall zones with unique experiences and purpose exist along this east-west connector. They include a west gateway, quadrangles, a natural creek zone, academic areas and an east gateway.
    • West Gateway: The western edge of campus lacks formal connectivity and clarity as to the relationship between the surrounding neighborhood and University land. Proposing a new gateway will give visitors a sense of arrival into campus and create more focused vehicular connectivity. 
    • Quadrangles: Quadrangles or ‘Quads’ are an important part of campuses. They give a sense of place while providing an amenity for adjacent buildings. Quads can consist of lawns for relaxation, recreation and study and can also be stimulating designed as a garden experience. 
    • Creek Zone: This water feature is envisioned as an amenity for Texas Woman’s affiliates, visitors, and the larger Denton community. An approach that allows people to experience the creek and have a better understanding of the value that Texas Woman’s has for nature and the ecology of the area, can provide a great experience as well as a learning opportunity. 
    • Academic Area: The addition of a variety of campus building typologies inside the proposed campus mall can create a diverse experience while walking through the University. Creating academic areas in this zone strengthens the core of the University as well as the University as a whole. 
    • East Gateway: The Eastern edge of campus also lacks a formal connection. Adding this gateway will also strengthen the sense of arrival into the University and clarify connectivity.

Connect with the Denton Community

Since Texas Woman’s founding in 1901, university life has distinguished the city of Denton from others in neighboring regions. Within the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex, Denton is often regarded as a college town with over 45,000 students enrolled at Texas Woman’s and University of North Texas. Throughout the course of the year, Denton plays host to numerous cultural and civic activities (like the annual Redbud Festival and Denton Arts and Jazz Festival). Finding ways to accommodate some of these events on campus will provide students more opportunities for service and civic engagement.

• Support community outreach and foster intergenerational relationships
• Develop family friendly activities and special event programming
• Supplement a residential neighborhood with commercial and service amenities
• Provide safe and inviting running trails for all

Page last updated 2:09 PM, June 24, 2020