2. Contents
Executive
Summary
Goals and
Objectives
a. Goals
b. Potential
Sites
1. Site
Analysis
a. Weather
b. Sun
c. Soil
2.
Project
Description
a. Materials
b. Diagrams
c. Detailed
description
d. Clean Water
Act Compliance
3. Case Studies
4.
Appendix
a. Rain Garden Data
b. Soil Test Results
c. Acknowledgements
5.
4. On Green
Infrastructure
The following design was created and established by
the Clemson Biosystems Engineering Club, a group of
students dedicated to the long-term sustainability of
campus. It is their belief that the green infrastructure
of this design possesses the unique and admirable
capability of combining utility, aesthetics, and
sustainability and as such has the potential to be a
beloved and meaningful facet on campus and an
inspiration of more designs of this type.
Green infrastructure, through the utilization of rainwater
harvest and plant infiltration, are a cost-effective way to
reduce and treat stormwater at the source while providing
ecological and social benefits.
This is in contrast to traditional gray infrastructure,
which uses piping systems to move water away from the
built environment.
Examples of green infrastructure include:
● Rain Gardens
● Rainwater Harvesting Systems
● Permeable Pavements
● Green Roofs
● Urban Tree Canopy
● Planter Boxes
● Bioswales
● Downspout Disconnection
5. On Green
Infrastructure
Green infrastructure is defined in the Clean Water Act as:
“The range of measures that use plant or soil systems, permeable pavement or
other permeable surfaces or substrates, stormwater harvest and reuse, or
landscaping to store, infiltrate, or evapotranspirate stormwater and reduce
flows to sewer systems or to surface waters.”
To date, infrastructure of this description does not have a considerable footprint on campus. Yet it will be
necessary to increase if Clemson is to meet its sustainability goals.
6. Effects of
Stormwater Runoff
Stormwater runoff is a major source of
pollution in urban areas. Conventional gray
infrastructure means that rainwater that falls
on roofs, sidewalks, and roads cannot
infiltrate into the ground as it should.
In the Clemson area, urban runoff has
infamously contributed to the excessive
scouring of Hunnicutt Creek, which now
possesses very steep and highly eroding
banks. It has also significantly furthered
recent declines in the ecological health of the
creek.
The need for expensive, long-term, and
complicated river restoration projects, such
as the Hunnicutt Creek restoration that began
in 2013 can be reduced by increasing
permeable land cover on Clemson’s campus.
7. Guiding Principles
and Big Ideas
This project seeks to fulfill the following guiding principles and big ideas as described in the
2017 Clemson University Long-Range Framework Plan:
Guiding Principle #1: A campus that is Green and Memorable
Guiding Principle #2: A campus that is Engaged and Innovative
Guiding Principle #3: A campus that is Warm and Welcoming
Guiding Principle #5: A campus that is Sustainable
8. Guiding Principles
and Big Ideas
Big Idea #3
Preserve and enhance
landscapes & campus
character
Big Idea #7
Transform the
East Campus
Big Idea #8
Renew the Student
Centers
Big Idea #10
Always build new
community
9. Big Idea #3
Preserve and enhance
landscapes & campus
character
This project intends to utilize a modern, minimalist,
pleasing wood & metal design that will be easily
integratable with other buildings on campus. This
aesthetic will be similar to the new Snow Center in
Ravenel. It is very important to the creators of this
project that the landscapes of Clemson University be
cultivated, while preserving its beauty and charm.
This picnic pavilion and surrounding rain garden is
believed to enhance whichever green space on campus
is chosen, as a centerpiece and destination for
students.
10. Big Idea #7
Transform the East
Campus
Three proposed locations for this project are within
East Campus, where the design can take advantage of
the new enhanced landscapes, student centers, and
connections as discussed in the Long-Range
Framework Plan.
The proposed locations are:
● Adjacent to Lever Hall on an unused and
degraded plot of land
● As a centerpiece of the newly envisioned Bryan
Mall, a quiet space near the Hendrix Extension
● Nearby the already existing Sustainable
Landscape Design Garden within the Ag Quad
The fourth location is as a centerpiece to one of the
green spaces created near the new Student Union in
West/Central Campus. The fifth is within the Power
Plant green space in the extended West Neighborhood.
Source: 2017 Long-Range Framework Plan
11. Big Idea #8
Renew the Student
Centers
Critically important to the success of this project is for
its location to be near an area of high student traffic
and/or recreation. This is why locations within the East
Campus Neighborhood, Ag Quad, and the New Student
Union have been proposed.
Being near a student center will have the
following advantages:
● If near dining options, students will be more
likely to use the picnic tables within the pavilion
● If nearby residence halls students will be more
likely to use the pavilion and garden as a place
of community and rest
● Being near areas of high traffic increase the
likelihood that the garden will be well-
maintained and appreciated
Three proposed locations, all
within residential neighborhoods
or along highly-trafficked routes
Source: 2017 Long-Range Framework Plan
12. Additional view of all
five proposed locations,
showing other major
foot traffic routes on
campus.
Source: 2017 Long-Range Framework Plan
13. Big Idea #10
Always build new
community
Above all else, this project aims to enhance the well-
being of all students on campus, but for residential
and freshman students in particular, given the
proposed proximity to residential neighborhoods.
This picnic pavilion will be a location for students to
meet, greet, eat and study together; an outdoor
destination that takes advantage of Clemson’s
excellent climate. Many students desire additional
outdoor spaces on campus, a growing need
considering predicted trends in student population
growth over the next 5 years.
The surrounding rain garden will be an aesthetically
pleasing and educational experience for students that
provides an up-close learning environment for green
infrastructure.
Source: 2017 Long-Range Framework Plan
15. Primary Goal
Construct an environmentally beneficial and
aesthetically pleasing picnic shelter and rain
garden on a well-trafficked, visible, plot of land
located near a student center and/or green space.
Provide a comfortable,
inviting meeting and
eating place for students
outside
Restore and preserve any
degraded soil on the plot.
Provide a place supporting
local flora & fauna
Provide an intimate
educational experience on
low-impact design (LID) &
green infrastructure
1. 2. 3.
16. Potential Sites
1. Lever Hall
This design was originally intended to be placed
directly adjacent to Lever Hall on an environmentally
degraded and highly eroding plot of land when it was
pitched to the Student Government in Spring 2021 as
a candidate for the University’s Capital Improvement
Fund.
This rectangular plot of land has the advantages of
being very near to student residential and dining halls
within the East Campus Neighborhood.
Constructing the rain garden at this location would
help remediate the soil and improve environmental
conditions, as well as bring beauty to a bland and
unused portion of campus.
Plot as viewed from the balcony of Lever Hall, facing south towards Hendrix.
17. Reinvisioned
Bryan Mall
The Bryan Mall as envisioned in the Long-Range
Framework Plan will feature a large new green space
adjacent to the residence halls and Hendrix Extension
of the East Neighborhood.
It is believed that a peaceful picnic pavilion and rain
garden would make an excellent centerpiece or
addition to this new park. The pavilion could be set in
the center/west end of the park to serve as a quieter
spot a ways away from the hustle and bustle of the
Hendrix Extension.
Residents could look out their windows and see a
bright, attractive, and beautiful pavilion and garden
working to manage stormwater in the mall.
Potential Sites
2.
Bryan Mall as envisioned in the Long-Range Framework Plan
18. Beside the
New Union
The Long-Range framework plan envisions
flourishing new life and green spaces into the Core
Campus area through the construction of a new
student union. The pavilion and garden could be built
as a centerpiece of one of these green spaces.
The modern and minimalist style of the pavilion will
likely fit very well with the style of existing nearby
buildings such as Core Campus, the New Union, and
the larger pavilion planned to be built in the center of
the plaza.
However, space limitations and the potential for
sunlight to be blocked by existing buildings like
Holmes & McCabe Hall may raise concerns for
construction at this location.
Potential Sites
3.
The New Union as envisioned in the Long-Range Framework Plan
19. Within the
Revamped Ag Quad
The Ag Quad is proposed to be renewed in the Long-
Range Framework Plan. Part of this plan involves the
demolition of Newman Hall and the construction of
additional buildings.
Expressed in the plan is a desire to give the Ag Quad a
distinct character that reflects its agriculture,
forestry, and life sciences focus. Part of this character
could be enhanced by the addition of a picnic pavilion
and rain garden as an expansion of the already
existing Sustainable Landscape Design Garden.
However, the Ag Quad is highly crowded and shady,
which may prove difficult in garden expansion. This
spot is also not recommended unless food options
could attract students and help make the Quad more
of a destination, to avoid neglect of the structure.
Potential Sites
4.
The Ag Quad as envisioned in the Long-Range Framework Plan
20. Power Plant
Open Space
There will be additional green space created as a part
of the extended West Campus Neighborhood with the
removal of the Motor Pool. The pavilion could be a
centerpiece of this new green space.
However, this location is far from the center of
campus, not as close to dining options as other
locations, and could come into conflict with space
used by tailgaters. This makes it the least
recommended proposed location.
Potential Sites
5.
The Power Plant as envisioned in the Long-Range Framework Plan
22. Clemson’s warm climate means that outdoor
structures such as a picnic pavilion receive high
usage throughout much of the school year. This
is one reason why many students request more
outdoor spaces in surveys about the
improvement of campus.
Clemson’s high annual rainfall of 53 inches also
means that much use would be made from a rain
garden and rainwater harvesting system which
takes pressure off of stormwater runoff. Yet,
high rainfall and humidity mean that the
pavilion materials must be hardy and waterproof.
Did you know?
Clemson has made incorporating
stormwater management strategies a
priority in its Framework Plan. Green
infrastructure will take the pressure off
of the Seneca Creek River Basin,
Hunnicutt Creek, and the Suber Dam.
Source: Climate data from the Long-Range Framework Plan
23. Source: Solar data from the Long-Range Framework Plan
Most of campus has the benefit
of being sunny throughout the
year. However, existing
buildings and trees make some
sites more desirable for a
garden than others.
The Lever Hall and Bryan Mall
sites are the sunniest of the
proposed locations. The New
Union and Power Plant sites
are mostly sunny but shaded
during parts of the day/year by
buildings. The Ag Quad is the
shadiest location, with many
buildings and a thick tree
canopy.
Sunniest
Part Shade
Shadiest
The pavilion structure will be
constructed in EAST-WEST
fashion to best utilize the sun.
24. In order to ensure the rain garden is
successful, it is important that a soil
amendment be added to the site location.
This amendment will consist of
approximately 3” in depth of Clemson
compost and 3” in depth of cedar mulch.
Additional soil data can be found in the
Appendix.
26. Materials Utilized
This project proposes the use of black locust lumber in
its design. It is well noted as the most weather-resilient
and insect-resistant untreated decking option for
outdoor projects. It is light brown when first installed
and transitions to a silvery color if left untreated.
It is hoped that untreated wood can be avoided
for this project, as its goal is to achieve a low
environmental impact.
Black locust before aging Black locust after aging
27. Diagrams & Description
● Size: 18’ L x 12’ W x 8’ T
○ Possesses 6 supports
○ One half flat pergola structure
○ Other half has a taller, slanted
roof for rainwater capture
● Room for 2-3 picnic tables
● Also contains:
○ A 2-sided vertical garden
○ Brick permeable paver floor
○ Horizontal slats extending down
from top of structure
■ Moss-covered, vine covered
28. ● Rain Catchment System:
○ Slanted acrylic/glass roof for water flow
○ Gutter + leaf filter + first-flush system
○ 165 gallon cistern
● Irrigation:
○ Cistern is water source
○ Equipped with microfilter + timer
○ Passive, no-pressure drip irrigation system
Diagrams & Description
● Surrounded by rain garden
○ Will absorb uncaptured water from area
○ Approximately 300-400 sq ft
○ Compost + cedar mulch amendment
29. Proposed diagram of rain garden and plants utilized from the SC Botanical
Garden.
Courtesy of: Dr. Sarah White, Clemson University
30. Clean Water Act
Compliance
Clemson University’s commitments under the Clean Water Act are as follows:
“Demonstrate sustained behavior change towards
pollutant minimization [and] work with campus
and student groups to become a demonstration
grounds of these best landscaping practices.”
“Create an increasingly more informed graduate
class in the topics of stormwater, watershed
management, and pollution prevention. ”
“Reduce stormwater volumes through rainwater
harvesting and reuse [and] increase the likelihood
of lot scale stormwater management and utilization
of green infrastructure.”
Source: Clemson University Stormwater
Management Plan (2017)
32. Case Study 1: Open-concept pavilions
Form: Modern in style, these open-concept pavilions add character to their surroundings.
They also possess slanted roofs that inspire methods of rainwater capture.
Function: Provide shading and shelter for picnic tables underneath. Display how tables
can be arranged in a staggered or line formation.
33. Case Study 2: Snow Center
Form: Is noted for its aesthetic similarity to the proposed picnic pavilion, and its use of
‘mass timber’. Was designed by the CU Wood Utilization + Design Institute and was the
first mass timber building constructed on campus.
Function: Utilized cross-laminated timber (CLT) which possesses excellent strength and
uses carbon-capturing wood products. Building with timber saves 25% of typical
construction time. The proposed pavilion could possess wood supports if desired.
34. Case Study 3: Clay Soil Rain Garden, University of Wisconsin
Form: A clay rain garden planted with native grasses and monitored over a period of 4 years.
Drained a rooftop area 5x greater than the rain garden area.
Function: USGS study on rain garden efficacy in clay soil similar to Clemson. After 4 years soil
drained significantly better due to long-established root networks. Native plants were able to
retain 96% of the precipitation at varying intensities. Shows need for native plant usage.
Source: Selbig, William and Balster, Nicholas. Evaluation of Turf-Grass and Prairie-Vegetated
Rain Gardens in a Clay and Sand Soil, Madison, Wisconsin, Water Years 2004–08. (2010).
35. Case Study 4: Pergolas & Horizontal Slats
Form: Each picture shows an example of a wooden pergola with horizontal slats on the side.
Pergola spacing can be just a few inches, as shown here, or up to half a foot.
Function: The more closely spaced the slats, the more shading provided, but the more
constrained the feel. The less closely spaced, the less shading provided but the more open the
feel. It is proposed that vines and/or moss be grown from the slats or structural supports.
36. Case Study 5: Clemson Sustainable Landscape Demonstration Garden
Form: Two rain gardens of 1,400 sf and 1,800 sf were constructed in 2012 in the Clemson Ag
Quad. The gardens are managed in part by both University Landscaping Services and a
horticulture creative inquiry. Both utilize native plants.
Function: These gardens prove that native plants can be both beautiful and useful in rain
garden design and stormwater management. Unpopular plants are removed and replaced.
37. Case Study 6: Acrylic Roof for Rainwater Capture
Form: Located at the Sonoco Packaging Science
building on south campus, this image depicts a
possible design for the acrylic and slanted rainwater
capture roof on one end of the pavilion.
Function: Here, the acrylic roof was likely clearer in
the past, but became yellow and hazy with time. This
ought to be taken into consideration when designing
this picnic pavilion. It is underlaid with crossing
supports.
38. Case Study 7: Medway Community Garden, James Island, SC
Form: Built by Clemson Architecture + CommunityBUILD program and retrofitted with a
rainwater capture system by Clemson Extension in 2018. The pavilion cost $14,000 to build
and is made out of wood, concrete supports, and a metal roof. There is an adjacent 140 sq ft
rain garden.
Function: The pavilion possesses an 820 sq ft slanted roof for rainwater capture into a 750
gallon cistern. It possesses one long picnic table at its center and a sink connected to a
submersible pump within the cistern. Is oriented east-west to provide shading. Educational
signs are posted outside the structure.
39. Case Study 8: Wilbur O. and Ann Powers School of Business/Douthit Retention Cells
Form: A series of retention cells adjacent to the business school and Douthit complex. These
are quite large cells in order to accommodate the large influx of water from the building roof.
They are filled with sparse plant matter.
Function: While this picnic pavilion will not be large enough to warrant a major retention cell,
they are still helpful to examine. This project’s rain garden must still be a cavity with raised
sides to hold in water and should include a small stone effluent. Notably, there was some loss
of erosion and mulch near the effluent of the above cells, warranting extra padding.
44. Acknowledgements
University Planning and Design
Clemson Biosystems Engineering
Evan Patrohay
Lead Author
Matthew Lawrence
Co-author
Sarah Langston
Co-author
Julianna Corbin
Co-author
Dr. Caye Drapcho
Professor, Biosystems Engineering
Dr. Tom Owino
Professor, Biosystems Engineering
Harry Harritos
Architect
Barry Anderson
Campus Landscape Architect
Clemson University Long-Range
Framework Plan (2017)
Clemson Horticulture
Dr. Sarah White
Nursery Extension Specialist,
Horticulture
Dr. Ellen Vincent
Environmental Landscape Specialist,
Horticulture
Clemson Extension
Dr. Calvin Sawyer
Professor, Agricultural Sciences
Kim Morganello
Carolina Clear Program Director,
Charleston County Extension
Dr. Lance Beecher
Aquaponics Specialist
Clemson University Ag
Service Laboratory
Soil Testing
