Stevens Institute of Technology (SIT) is in the middle of a campus-wide master plan implementation. The University realized multiple infrastructure upgrades were required to facilitate the master plan improvements being considered, including electrical infrastructure.

THE OPPORTUNITY

SIT required campus-wide electrical upgrades to support master plan improvements for security, new buildings, and infrastructure. Two new electrical switchgear houses were designed and located in two prominent areas on campus. As a result of their locations, the University requested 3D renderings be provided for each of the two locations to ensure the placement and siting of the switchgear houses had adequate visual screening and safety measures to protect the university staff and students.

THE CHALLENGE

SIT requested a cost-effective approach to visual screening and safety measures for the two switchgear house locations. Site 1 was located on a small sloping site adjacent to the Howe Center which was adjacent to walking paths and the edge of a steeply sloped bank; Site 2 was located on a sloping site adjacent to an existing parking area in the heart of the campus in the 8th Street Parking Lot. Each site had a unique set of restrictions based on site limitations, interface with pedestrians and vehicles.

THE PS&S SOLUTION

PS&S worked closely with SIT facility staff to understand the use of each site and how they were used and accessed by pedestrians and vehicles. In conjunction with these conversations, PS&S performed a site visit during school session to understand the dynamics and usage of the sites and spaces, including pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Pictures were taken to document the functions and conditions and were used to develop 3D imaging. Multiple design options and images were generated for both switchgear houses and their screening and visual enhancements for the University to select from.

Preferences were selected by SIT and features combined into a preferred option by the design team. SIT selected final options for each site location and proceeded with the planning of the work.