The University of North Texas (UNT) envisioned a transformative greenfield campus in Frisco to support the region’s rapid growth and diverse economic needs. The site’s challenges, including topographical variation, stormwater management, and integration with natural and urban contexts, required a master plan that fostered innovation and sustainability while creating a vibrant sense of place.
The plan capitalized on the site’s natural ridge by introducing the Ridge Mall, a central spine that organizes campus zones, provides panoramic views, and establishes a clear spatial hierarchy. Detention and retention ponds manage runoff and enhance aesthetics, connecting directly to Panther Creek’s watershed and reinforcing ecological stewardship. A network of trails and pathways links campus zones and connects to Frisco’s future city park and the Fields HQ mixed-use development, fostering collaboration and accessibility.
The plan integrates native vegetation, existing water bodies, and topographical highlights to minimize environmental impact, while stormwater systems serve as both functional infrastructure and educational tools. A pedestrian-focused approach reduces vehicle reliance, creating a healthier, more connected environment. The Ridge Mall, Bell Tower, and amphitheaters establish a distinct identity, while the phased expansion plan ensures adaptability to future needs while maintaining architectural cohesion.
Tarrant County College
To meet the growing needs of the downtown and North Main communities in Fort Worth, Texas, SWA provided the master plan and landscape design for a new college campus to add to the Tarrant County College District. Designed to be constructed in a series of phases, the project aims to provide a stimulating and rewarding environment for students and the local comm...
Soka University
When Japan-based Soka Gakkai International, one of the world’s largest lay Buddhist organizations, decided to establish a fully accredited liberal arts university in southern Orange County, SWA joined with the architects to create a setting that expresses the goals of the new university. Soka means “to create value” and the ideal of Soka education is to foster...
Stanford Toyon Hall
Toyon Hall, a significant historic building originally designed by Bakewell and Brown Architects in 1922, is a three-story structure centered around a magnificent formal courtyard with arcades and arches. The purpose of the project was to preserve, maintain and enhance the building and site. SWA scope of work included evaluation of existing site conditions and...
University of Houston Law Center
The University of Houston Law Center, established in 1947, has earned national recognition, with three of its programs ranked in the top 10 by U.S. News and World Report. Despite these academic accolades, the original Law Center building faced significant challenges due to its location and design. Situated in Houston’s low-lying coastal prairie ecoregion...