The Ravine is a renewed natural landscape in the heart of campus.
The existing ravine collects rainwater and runoff from the upper campus. But, without an effective means of moving it safely down to Taylor Lake, it contributes to flooding and standing water throughout Middle Campus. This water must be redirected and managed in order to successfully construct the Benton Center and the Performing and Visual Arts Center and make necessary renovations to Dana Arts Center and James C. Colgate Hall.
In consultation with prominent landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh and MVVA, Colgate with rebuild the Ravine to prevent erosion and flooding — while also creating a striking feature on Colgate’s already beautiful campus.
In this effort, Colgate demonstrates that stewardship of its natural resources can result in a masterpiece of landscape architecture.