Joyce Cummings Center Plaza, Tufts University

Medford, Massachusetts

The Joyce Cummings Center at Tufts University, serves as a new multidisciplinary hub and the east gateway to the campus. While the building hosts a range of academic departments and cutting-edge facilities, the surrounding landscape plays a crucial role in enhancing the site’s functionality and sustainability.

The landscape architecture emphasizes ecological sensitivity and sustainability by incorporating native, drought-tolerant plants that thrive without irrigation, contributing to the health of the regional watershed. The design includes thickly planted areas while maintaining functional hardscaped social spaces, creating a balance between beauty and practicality. The site features custom seatwall benches, colorful plantings, and accessible entry plazas with special paving highlighting the seating areas.

Accessibility and connectivity are central to the landscape design, with the site providing direct access to the adjacent Tufts University MBTA station. The plaza, combined with thoughtful seating arrangements and vibrant plantings, creates inviting spaces for students, faculty, and visitors. This design not only serves as a welcoming gateway but also supports healthier, pedestrian-friendly lifestyles and establishes the site as a landmark for the university community.

LOCATION
Medford, MA

CLIENT
Tufts University

ARCHITECT
Stantec, Procon

FACILITY
University building

STATUS
Completed 2022

SCOPE
Landscape Architecture