To the editor:

A new, public open space is greatly needed to replace what was correctly described as an "eyesore" in the recent Cornell Chronicle article ("Bailey Hall pedestrian plaza plan draws praise and concern," Feb. 16). Driven by our responsibility and stewardship toward a better-designed built environment on campus, a group of landscape architecture graduate students wish to encourage dialogue about Michael Van Valkenburgh's (Class of '73, landscape architecture) proposed Bailey Plaza design.

Having used the site as a design practicum in last semester's studio course, we recognize it as a landmark on campus that needs to serve the present needs of the Cornell community. The class developed a variety of design strategies that addressed some challenging questions. We recalled these questions when we saw Van Valkenburgh's new plan, and wonder if he considered them in his design. How will the plaza engage the immediate context while resolving circulation patterns? How can it become more than just a plaza in front of Bailey Hall, a destination and an important gathering point?

Although it is no small task to mend the lines between the past and the present, Bailey Plaza has a rich history that shouldn't be ignored. Bailey Hall and the surrounding landscape were once places of collection for people, moments, events and knowledge. A century of campus growth and short-sighted redesign has fragmented the area surrounding Bailey Hall. The former gardens and pedestrian space were converted to a parking lot during the mid-20th century. Had we, as a more unified community, been more vigilant years ago in safeguarding the plaza's role as generator of campus life, we may not have been faced with the problems of redesign and reprogramming today. Underneath the potholed pavement lie the literal and metaphorical foundations of the School of Agriculture, the former site of Minn's Garden, used by faculty for gardens and leisure. This history sets a precedent for social activities, green space and community gathering. Will the site's history go untold in the new design?

Currently, the site is swarming with car and pedestrian movement, a system that is maintained in Van Valkenburgh's redesign. The plaza's central space is empty and unassigned except for the pattern of pavers that seeks to merge the pre-existing pedestrian circulation paths. Van Valkenburgh emphasizes pedestrian movement instead of assembly by accentuating the edges of walkways with benches. This design move discourages interaction and gathering. Additionally, the edges of the plaza are bound with roads, isolating it from neighboring buildings, gardens and paths. The outdoor area beside the Big Red Barn is currently used for gathering, but this potential remains unexplored as the Barn remains disconnected from the plaza. Could more attention have been given to the campus's need for a gathering space? Bailey Plaza provides a unique opportunity to reconnect a fragmented landscape by modifying circulation patterns, deemphasizing car traffic, enhancing pedestrian movement and allowing for congregation in one of the most sunlit, central and notable locations on campus.

Van Valkenburgh's plaza seems to stand isolated without assuming the role of a connective place on campus. The site has the potential to inspire interaction and gathering for the entire campus community. In the current model, we see a changed facade, but will any history be remembered or new legacies be encouraged? If any of our concerns have been addressed, it is unclear from the information that is currently available.

Further discussion should take place in review of the most updated version of the plan. All members of the Cornell community should have the opportunity to guide its transformation in an effort to provide the campus with a public open space, representative of the identity and needs of the campus. The loss of parking spaces is a small price to pay for a public space that will be an amenity to the entire Cornell community.

-- Landscape architecture graduate students
Jennifer Kotting,
Brett Desmarais,
Nicole Bevins,
Natalie Bower,
Melissa Carter and
Carrie Van Valkenburg