Landscape as Laboratory

Stanford University’s new satellite campus embraces nature-based solutions for stormwater, biodiversity, climate change, and human health. Predicated on a green infrastructure approach, O|CB developed strategic solutions to severe technical challenges including existing flooding, a high water table, threat of sea level rise, recycled irrigation water with unusually high salt and chemical content, and compacted, expansive, alkaline clay soils.

This climate adaptive ‘landscape laboratory’ features a 7-acre linear public greenway along which courtyards, dining spaces, plazas and bioretention gardens weave a tapestry of cultural and natural systems. The campus invites local residents to take advantage of outdoor work spaces with wi-fi and outlets, a 2.4 acre public park, and the quarter-mile greenway loop path through undulating topography and groves of olives, oaks and other adaptive species.