*Images Coming Soon*

The CU Boulder’s Old Main Building, built in 1876, was the first structure of the campus. It has since undergone renovations and updates and in 2024, the University’s Board agreed it was time for a more significant overhaul of the building as well as the surrounding area.

The challenges for the design team consisted not only of updating the aesthetic and function of the space, but meeting the specific requirements from the University. They asked for an informal outdoor classroom, they had material requirements for the campus, and they wanted a low maintenance design. Moreover, the existing ADA paths had to be maintained and expanded.

The space now frames the building with a low-maintenance planting plan and updated stormwater strategy of sandstone cobble swales. The new plaza expands seating options for individual or classroom use while still providing ADA entrance and embraces the campus material palette. To the south and adjacent to the Norlin Quadrangle, a smaller threshold emphasizes the building and offers seating overlooking the expanse of grass.