Orange Mall revamp marks new era in ASU campus mall renovations

Orange Mall renovations mark a sustained improvement in the area around the Memorial Union on Arizona State University's Tempe campus and will be complete with the new Student Pavilion, opening in fall 2017.

“More space for the community and the incorporation of nature benefits everyone in large and small ways," said Byron Sampson, associate director of the Office of the University Architect. "ASU’s mission is to leverage our place, and a transformation of this area is crucial to our ability to do so."

The project extends the pavilion's indoor areas outside and increases pedestrian space. It features:

• electrical charging outlets
• fixed benches and lounge chairs
• landfill-recycle bin duos
• movable tables and chairs
• new benches

The current asphalt cul-de-sac and unshaded walkways in front of the pavilion create a heat island that will be mitigated by new bioswales along the length of Orange Mall. Bioswales capture and filter storm water runoff, pavilion condensate and roof drainage.

The reclaimed water irrigates the landscape that will feature 23 new date palms. The dates produced by the palms in the Palm Court will be collected as part of the annual ASU Campus Harvest.

The first Certified Sustainable Sites project at ASU follows the Tempe Campus Hardscape Master Plan. Collaboration with student groups, staff and consultants contributed to the use of locally sourced elements:

• soil, compost, mulch and rock from within 50 miles
• plants from within 250 miles
• other construction materials from within 500 miles

The revamp also extends the current Walk-Only Zone and increases the amount of pedestrian-centric space. New bicycle spaces will be integrated with the MU bike valet, and more bike parking will be added next to the new Orange Mall.