Site plan

The site development plan [PDF] for the Rice Center was adopted and approved by the VCU Board of Visitors on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2002.

This plan is based on a set of guiding design principles that reinforce the identity of the Rice Center as an ecological field station that advances research, education and outreach programming.

Three primary decisions governed the design of the site plan:

• The core of the building program is located at the James River in direct relationship to the river.
• The river and landscape dominate the built environment.
• The development is to be environmentally sensitive in keeping with the mission of the center.

Phase 1: Complete

Phase 1 has established the framework for the Rice Center by setting the most essential components in place — the basic infrastructure, entrance and road, parking, the research pier, an outdoor classroom and a multipurpose education building to facilitate on-site teaching, research and outreach education.

Phase 2

Planning for Phase 2 is presently underway to expand the research and education facilities as well as provide permanent administrative space. Two areas of trees will be planted at the bluff reinforcing the site’s central axis and anchoring the center to the existing woods and future trail systems.

Phase 3

Phase 3 will further expand the research facilities to accommodate six full-time researchers on site and develop overnight facilities for approximately 30 guests. Further infrastructure and parking will need to be developed at this stage.