Landscaping

Storm-water Management
The total site area of Sophia Gordon Hall is 50,000 square feet. 58% of the site (approximately 21,000 square feet) is pervious (i.e. water can penetrate directly into the soil). A number of catch basins, a Stormtech infiltration system and an underground detention Advanced Drainage System (ADS) reduce the rate of runoff into the city's storm sewer by maintaining or holding the water and releasing it slowly.

Irrigation
No irrigation system has been installed for watering of the plants and grasses. The plants the designers have chosen are more drought-tolerant to accommodate the lack of irrigation on site.

Shading and Reduced Heat Island Effect
Plantings of trees will help to shade the pavement and building once the trees mature. These and the other plantings can also reduce the heat island effect.

Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Erosion and sediment from building sites can have considerable ecological consequences. During construction, a comprehensive erosion and sedimentation (E&S) control plan required the project to keep sediment from entering nearby storm sewers by installing temporary silt fencing, placing silt fabric over catch basins, and sweeping the street carefully.