The Omega Harvard Campus Master Plan

Project Overview

The Omega Harvard Master Plan emphasizes ecological restoration, historic preservation, and resilient landscape design. Responding to an earlier concept that proposed removing significant vegetation and altering the site's historic character, Omega CDC partnered with DesignJones and Biohabitats to develop a vision that protects the campus's natural systems while celebrating its cultural legacy.

Recognizing the landscape's historical significance as a work influenced by the Olmsted Brothers, the master plan prioritizes the preservation of defining features, including the iconic central oval loop and the surrounding naturalized open spaces that have become valued community assets over generations.

Site analysis identified a shortage of native vegetation and revealed the need for comprehensive ravine and stormwater restoration. The updated plan introduces native planting strategies, ecological restoration, and sustainable stormwater management techniques that strengthen both environmental performance and long-term resilience.

In addition to restoring ecological systems, the master plan enhances the pedestrian experience through an interconnected network of pathways and gathering spaces. Together, these improvements preserve the site's historic identity while creating a healthier and more sustainable campus environment for future generations.