Blending urban energy with ecological restoration, the University of Texas at Austin’s Dell Medical District set a new precedent for sustainable medical and education campuses, with work performed on an abbreviated timeline for minimal disruptions to student life.

GOALS

In partnership with Sasaki Associates, RVi’s work as the local landscape architect aimed to establish a lively, ecologically responsible medical district aligned with UT Austin’s commitment to sustainability and academic excellence. Faced with an aggressive schedule to welcome the first class of medical students in the fall, RVi collaborated with UT maintenance and operations staff to ensure that our work achieved sustainability initiatives without compromising aesthetics, performance, or the flagship campus experience.

OUTCOMES

RVi not only met the condensed schedule requirements, but set a new standard for sustainable campus design, achieving SITES Gold Certification. Situated adjacent to Interstate 35 in Downtown Austin, Dell Medical District blends vibrant ecological restoration with an energetic urban landscape. Students, faculty, patients, and visitors can stroll safely alongside the sounds and sights of Waller Creek, a central focus of RVi’s restoration efforts.

Prior to this work, the creek corridor had been overrun with invasive species and required bank stabilization strategies. Reinvigorating the natural landscape, we worked closely with The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at UT Austin to reintroduce native plantings along the creek, walkways, and buildings, reducing irrigation needs by more than 75 percent and reclaiming the natural space. We oversaw the relocation of multiple mature live oaks to add natural shade and establish reverent aesthetic continuity that reflects UT’s institutional legacy.