KCU transformed the entire west side of their urban Kansas City campus with the addition of the Center for Medical Education Innovation (CMEI). The campus was deficient in open and engaging pedestrian space for students to relax, socialize and study. The development of a new quad became the heartbeat of campus and the spatial glue that connects the proposed CMEI building to surrounding existing buildings – creating a ‘there’.

The campus environment dramatically shifted from vehicular-oriented to pedestrian focused with the quad and adjacent plaza. However, the project’s biggest hurdle was creating pedestrian focused space with the requirement of providing a 20’ wide vehicular fire lane around the new quad. The incorporation of pavers would be crucial in creating a plaza environment that downplays the emergency access route. Establishing a strong paving pattern placed emphasis on the pedestrian experience while bringing prominence to the quad space. Unilock Promenade™ Plank pavers with a Smooth Premier finish provided the desired color palette to contrast the gradation from true white to deep charcoal grey, offering the ideal paver that set the project up for success and brought together the design vision.