About The Project

In response to a longstanding relationship with Sacramento State University and the need to adapt to post-COVID conditions, MTWgroup was commissioned to design expansive outdoor areas capable of accommodating individual and group gatherings of up to 50-100 people. The goal was to create versatile spaces featuring a mix of permanent and movable furniture, designed for comfort and flexibility.

MTWgroup faced several site-specific considerations, including a sloping grade, an existing art installation, and the preservation of mature trees. The team developed multiple design options, ultimately selecting a solution that integrated a strikingly colorful arbor. This feature not only draws attention from afar but also complements the adjacent art murals at the theatre. Oval cutouts in the arbor create a distinctive dappled shade effect, enhancing the visual and functional appeal of the space.

The final design incorporates both permanent and mobile seating arrangements, providing an inviting environment for studying or socializing. The sloping grade was skillfully utilized to offer elevated seating at one end of the area, while new permanent seating around the art installation revitalized this Little Theater area and improved the user experience.

The design was developed following an extensive master planning session, which outlined the need for year-round usability, including social gatherings and formal events such as graduations. Key features of the design included provisions for Wi-Fi and electrical connectivity for lighting and sound. The layout also featured shade structures and moveable furniture around the existing lawn area and stage. An outer perimeter was designed to provide informal boundaries, ensuring a cohesive and functional space that meets the diverse needs of the campus community.