Charlotte, NC
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Two Decades of Partnership, One Evolving Campus
status
Ongoing
client
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
expertise
Education, Hospitality + Entertainment
services
Civil Engineering Landscape Architecture
Designing the Destination UNC Charlotte Was Meant to Be
The University's evolution into a nationally recognized institution has been powered by bold ideas, and trusted collaborators who understand them.
Since 2007, LandDesign has been a trusted partner to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte), helping to shape a campus that reflects the University’s ambitions, not only a center for learning and education, but as a vibrant destination for students, faculty, and the broader community. Our early work on the EPIC and PORTAL Buildings introduced us to the University’s land development goals, helping us understand the internal processes and standards of various departments, from stormwater management and maintenance to campus identity and architectural character. At the time when UNC Charlotte was working to move beyond the perception of a commuter school, our partnership supported their vision to become a nationally recognized institution.
Over the years, we’ve worked across departments, learning how each capital improvement project contributes to a cohesive and connected campus experience. Whether supporting the development of academic facilities, residence halls, or sports venues, our approach has remained consistent: design with the entire campus context in mind. Together with UNC Charlotte, we’ve created signature places to gather, study, and cheer — places that reinforce the University’s aspirations for their future.
The University’s vision for its campus extends far beyond aesthetics. Recognizing the potential to position itself as a premier public institution for the city, UNC Charlotte invested in a range of programs and improvement projects designed to enrich student life, foster campus identity, and strengthen its connection to the broader region. LandDesign has supported this vision by designing with intention, ensuring every project contributes to a more connected, resilient, and vibrant campus experience.
Resilient Design for a Research-Driven Future
As the Energy of Production Infrastructure Center (EPIC) expanded the University’s role in energy infrastructure research, we ensured the design reflected the same resilient values. The site’s stormwater system prioritizes preservation, sustainability, and education, helping the project earn LEED Gold certification. The design minimizes impacts to existing forested areas and a system of sand filters and rain gardens treat runoff. After treatment, a rainwater harvesting cistern provides irrigation for the entire building perimeter and courtyards, with overflow passing into an underground detention system to maintain pre-development flow rates.
Elevating Campus Athletics
To support growing student engagement in athletics, UNC Charlotte invested in a new tennis facility featuring 12 state-of-the-art hard courts, enhanced spectator amenities, and a dedicated support building. Situated between a floodway, greenway, existing infrastructure, and a future road realignment, the site presented significant logistical challenges. We facilitated an encroachment agreement with Charlotte Water to avoid relocating a 24-inch sanitary sewer trunk line, preserving budget and streamlining construction.
A Transit Link That Connects Campus to City Life
Capitalizing on the city’s investment in transit, the University identified the opportunity for a strategic stop on the LYNX Blue Line that would enhance campus connections to Uptown Charlotte and beyond. Our team led the design of the transit station from concept through construction, coordinating with numerous agencies to address station access, stormwater systems, aesthetics, and multi-modal integration. The result is a major infrastructure investment that not only expands mobility for students and staff but also strengthens UNC Charlotte’s connection to the city it calls home.
The introduction of a football stadium signaled a bold investment in student life and the campus experience. The proposed site presented complex topography and infrastructure requirements. Rather than imposing the stadium onto the site, we sought to integrate the complex into the greater campus fabric. By excavating the field into a bowl and repurposing the soil to fill in adjacent practice fields, we created an unobstructed connection between the student concourse, academic buildings, and the stadium, ensuring the stadium remains a visible, celebrated landmark on campus.
To support the stadium and practice fields, the project required major infrastructure improvements and utility relocations. The site utilizes a groundwater dewatering system to capture overflow for site irrigation and internal building uses. With large peak infrastructure demands, various utility projects were required, including a looped water distribution system and the relocation of a 10″ sewer main. Due to field and building elevations, a sanitary sewer siphon was installed under Toby Creek to connect with the existing Charlotte Water trunk sewer main.
Where the 49ers Gather
The 49th Acre Tailgate Park and Pavilion meets UNC Charlotte’s long-standing need for flexible open space. This three-acre outdoor venue serves as a year-round destination for student tailgating and campus events. LandDesign facilitated a two-day design charrette with student leaders and department heads to gather input to inform the venue’s design. The result is an open space gateway that creates new opportunities for students to engage in campus athletics.
Growing the Game, Growing the Campus
From the start, the 49ers Football Complex was designed to expand its capacity as the University grew. As UNC Charlotte continues to elevate its athletics program, LandDesign remains a trusted partner, supporting the recently announced stadium expansion project.
Physical
Designing landscapes and infrastructure that integrate with existing facilities, topography, and campus circulation to preserve and enhance the student experience
Functional
Aligning design and engineering solutions with the University's goals for sustainability and operations to ensure long-term performance and minimize maintenance costs
Social
Creating spaces that instill campus pride by capitalizing on investments in transit and athletics as placemaking and programming opportunities
Physical
Designing landscapes and infrastructure that integrate with existing facilities, topography, and campus circulation to preserve and enhance the student experience
Functional
Aligning design and engineering solutions with the University's goals for sustainability and operations to ensure long-term performance and minimize maintenance costs
Social
Creating spaces that instill campus pride by capitalizing on investments in transit and athletics as placemaking and programming opportunities
