Transforming Campus Experiences through Oakton Community College's Landscape Master Plan

For over six years ECT has provided vision and direction to enhance Oakton Community College’s two campuses. The partnership began in 2018 with development of the Landscape Master Plan which aimed to integrate the college’s natural environment with their architectural elements. The vision has since evolved into ongoing built campus enhancements that foster connection between the college’s interior and exterior spaces. Each campus has its own unique identity which the landscape master plan celebrates and unifies through a consistent design language, materials, signage and site elements, creating a single branded environment.

At 182 acres, the Des Plaines Campus is set amongst a healthy woodland system — from Northern Flatwoods to Mesic Uplands and Floodplains. The buildings are nestled around Lake Oakton, a manmade water feature. The 21-acre Ray Hartstein Campus in Skokie features a dynamic urban environment, blending commercial and residential scales. It is easily accessible via pedestrian sidewalks, bicycle-shared streets, bicycle trails, and multiple public transit systems.

The landscape master plan prioritizes various enhancement zones and future projects at each campus through multiple phases. To date the following projects have been completed:

1. Ecological restoration for the Des Plaines campus floodplain forest includes removal of invasive plants and ongoing stewardship.
2. New monument signs were designed and built, in conjunction with architecture partner Farr Associates, at each campus as part of the welcome sequence and college brand.
3. The arrival experience at both campuses was redesigned creating a safer and more inviting space, with clear access for pedestrians, bicycles, transit, and auto traffic. The landscape approach resulted in a beautiful environment with clear visibility and spaces for respite.
4. The main courtyard at the heart of the Des Plaines campus was redesigned to improve the connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces and offer gathering spots set within the beautiful landscape.
5. In the fall of 2023, the third phase commenced focusing on various landscape improvements. It includes redesigning high visibility areas, additional entrances, and courtyards, and addressing declining site infrastructure and plantings.