A landscape that embraces UC Merced's time, place and vision
The landscape designed for the 2020 Project merges the academic mission of the University with the landscape of California's Central Valley to support critical thinking in the 21st century. By embracing a thoughtful approach, the project creates memorable places for collaborative, interdisciplinary interaction.
A focus on water conservation
The landscape design plan includes an outdoor environment designed for public activity and connectivity with the existing campus, using drought-tolerant shrubs, trees, and ground cover. The plant palette and layout reflect established campus patterns while emphasizing water conservation. Plant variety and circulation paths work together to create a welcoming campus entry experience.
Places for people
The primary landscape features include the Academic Quad, the largest plaza and public gathering space. It is designed as a multifunctional space supporting both formal and informal events, using native trees, shrubs, and stabilized decomposed granite.
Along the residential corridor, Academic Walk continues the strategy of a dry open ground plane, with linear planting areas and integrated seating designed to collect stormwater runoff.
The existing Little Lake has been reconfigured into a more sustainable system featuring native riparian plants. Pathways provide access to the lake, and a perimeter walk connects to the broader campus circulation system.
University Square serves as an internal gateway connecting the transit hub, athletic facilities, and the expanded campus core.
