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Project Name

UNLV Main Campus Entry and Plaza (Harmon Entry)

Firm:

Awards Category

Unbuilt Architecture

Project Summary

An iconic new entry plaza that brings the campus spirit to the City and welcomes current and prospective students, faculty, visitors and the Las Vegas community into the heart of the UNLV campus. This is done by: - Creating an iconic gateway / front porch that is a public facing & welcoming to students, visitors and the community - Providing a clear circulation hierarchy that prioritizes pedestrian safety while providing clear routes for drop-offs, pick-ups and parking - Creating a flexible, multi-purpose space that provides comfortable microclimates for people to stay and linger

Project Narrative

In 1957 the University of Nevada, Las Vegas opened its first building, Maude Frazier Hall, on an 80-acre parcel of land along the Maryland Parkway. UNLV has steadily expanded over its 50+ year history to over 100 buildings. As it grew, UNLV’s importance to the city of Las Vegas grew as well, providing not only a top tier education to its residents, but cultural and economic benefits to the city. UNLV recognized the need to better engage with the city, bridge and build relationships with citizens, all while improving campus life for students, staff and faculty. Along with other key projects, the UNLV 2021 Campus Master Plan proposes a grand entrance to the campus from Harmon and Maryland – the location of the first building on UNLV’s campus. The Harmon Entry Plaza will be a welcoming gateway to the campus with an iconic visual presence and which symbolizes the university’s connection to the community.

Sustainable Design & Materials

UNLV, with its urban location in the Mojave Desert, recognizes the vital necessity of building with long-term sustainability in mind. The Harmon Entry Plaza helps to reduce the urban “heat island” effect by increasing green space and tree canopy through the addition of native plantings and as extension of the existing arboretum. Plants chosen are native to the region, are drought-tolerant, and require little to no watering once established. Improving pedestrian safety and creating a better connection into the campus increases the walkability of the region.

Project Stats

Square Feet

108900

Green Building Designation(s)

Date of Completion

2026

Project Location

4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA