Working with Stanford University’s College of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences, the University Architect / Campus Planning and Design and project manager, BAY TREE DESIGN facilitated the master planning process to define a site program and develop a functional, attractive aesthetic and layout for this unusual project to fit within the stately campus.

The program was crafted based on context, principals, goals, budget, and campus guidelines. The development of the Educational Farm provides a framework with main buildings, gathering spaces, functional working areas and a ‘kit-of-parts’ to support the ephemeral nature of agricultural production and the ongoing academic experiments in sustainable methods of cultivation. In the non-agricultural areas of the site, BTD worked to protect the mature oaks and introduce drought-tolerant native plantings, which native pollinators by providing plant diversity.

The heart of the farm includes a large ‘Barn’, ancillary structures and gathering space which is tucked next to mature oak trees, and overlooking the fields.

Location
Palo Alto, CA

Client
Stanford University

Size
4 Ac.

Built
2016