LANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTURE
& PLANNING
![LONG GRADES.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5100da_9fe6c4e1820f4f61a60955877305a250~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1804,h_130,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/LONG%20GRADES.jpg)
MDI
BIOLOGICAL LABORATORY
MAINE CENTER FOR BIOMEDICAL INNOVATION
![DJI_0358.JPG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5100da_c0f971ca9e3a4a28a94438bff0a25c78~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_693,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/DJI_0358_JPG.jpg)
A new outdoor gathering space connects the Maine Center for Biomedical Innovation to the lower campus, integrating existing paths and access routes with a blend of old and new materials. Native trees and shrubs soften the hardscape, while custom benches, subtle lighting, and improved signage create a welcoming environment for researchers, staff, and visitors to relax and connect in the serene coastal Maine setting.
LOCATION
Bar Harbor, Maine
DATE
2018
TEAM
Design Group Collaborative
Coplon Associates
The MDI Biological Laboratory desired a new outdoor gathering space to link the newly constructed Maine Center for Biomedical Innovation to the rest of the lower campus core. The design seamlessly integrates several existing circulation routes, walking paths, and a truck access road, blending old and new materials into a plaza for common use. Native trees and shrubs soften the hardscape, while subtle outdoor lighting and improved signage enhance safety and wayfinding throughout the campus. Custom benches in designated gathering areas offer seating for researchers, educators, staff, and visitors to relax and connect in the serene setting of coastal Maine.
![this illustrative plan shows the proposed paving pattern of the courtyard and the proposed planting plan](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5100da_58d26ce436344d28a144314671cafc8d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_633,q_90/5100da_58d26ce436344d28a144314671cafc8d~mv2.jpg)
![this image shows an aerial perspective of the courtyard paving pattern interacting with the surrounding buildings as well as all the new trees and shrubs planted throughout](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5100da_10922fe525684de0b2ba437276090f9d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_551,q_90/5100da_10922fe525684de0b2ba437276090f9d~mv2.jpg)
![this image shows an aerial perspective of the courtyard paving pattern interacting with the surrounding buildings as well as all the new trees and shrubs planted throughout](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5100da_4e831dc71d9249fe8964df2344355b80~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_551,q_90/5100da_4e831dc71d9249fe8964df2344355b80~mv2.jpg)
![this image shows an aerial perspective of the courtyard paving pattern interacting with the surrounding buildings as well as all the new trees and shrubs planted throughout](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5100da_77811f5ceb4a4d1a8a89ca468ac5aa75~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_551,q_90/5100da_77811f5ceb4a4d1a8a89ca468ac5aa75~mv2.jpg)
![this image shows the paved walkway through the courtyard flanked by birch trees and buildings](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5100da_167cc25ed81e4d88a965f4fa8400df0e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,q_90/5100da_167cc25ed81e4d88a965f4fa8400df0e~mv2.jpg)
![this image shows the new building with the paved walkway in front, along with ferns and shrubs](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5100da_f51207b26280416abc640ef972c6edf6~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,q_90/5100da_f51207b26280416abc640ef972c6edf6~mv2.jpg)
![this image shows the new building with the paved walkway in front, along with ferns and shrubs](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5100da_49732a54e9114e3e92161ac22ed91be6~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,q_90/5100da_49732a54e9114e3e92161ac22ed91be6~mv2.jpg)
![this image shows the paved walkway through the courtyard flanked by birch trees and buildings](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5100da_29286145dbb3454a9187f89cbe491dd0~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,q_90/5100da_29286145dbb3454a9187f89cbe491dd0~mv2.jpg)