Soka University of America

Soka University of America
Location
Aliso Viejo, California
Client
Pfeiffer Partners Architects, Inc.
Soka University
SWA Scope
Land & site planning,
Landscape master planning,
Landscape architectural services
Architects
Pfeiffer Partners Architects, Inc.
Summit Architects
Awards
ASLA National Honor Award
ASLA Southern California Chapter Merit Award
Green/LEED-Rated Design Elements
The project is registered for LEED NC certification
SWA provided master planning and landscape
architectural services for Soka University of America, a
new 103-acre campus for a private liberal arts university.
The design takes advantage of a beautiful site high
above two major canyons and surrounded on three
sides by permanent open space, evoking the ideal
academic village and the beauties of a Tuscan hill town.
The ecologically sustainable plan includes a compact
development envelope that minimizes site disturbance,
maximizes pedestrian circulation, and reduces the
impact of utility installation. Careful building placement
minimized the need for ventilation systems and artificial
lighting. More than half the site is allocated to natural
areas and open space, and landscape features includes
a formal lake, lily ponds, orchards, a perimeter bike trail,
and a series of outdoor plazas and courtyards for public
gatherings.
SWA Group: www.swagroup.com