University of Chicago, North Sciences Quadrangle

The North Sciences Quadrangle is a 1.3‑acre public space within the University of Chicago, built as part of the William Eckhardt Research Center and surrounded by six campus buildings. The quad space features long axial views with seating areas for students and staff, garden beds and green space, and gateways formed by the surrounding architecture.

David Mason + Associates (DMA) provided civil engineering services. This included site and utility demolition design, geometric and utility layout, ADA accessibility for new and existing buildings, stormwater drainage coordinated with grading and irrigation, erosion control plans, local permitting support, and construction oversight. Monolithic limestone blocks define the main path and balance the weight of adjacent buildings, while the at‑grade green roof of the Eckhardt Center is woven into the overall landscape plan. Decomposed granite and permeable paving provide refined hardscape surfaces throughout the site. DMA also assisted with stormwater runoff that irrigates 150 trees and 30,000 plants, shrubs, and vines through an underground management system. The system uses predictive atmospheric software to evacuate stored rainwater ahead of storms, ensure detention capacity, and reduce local flooding.