The project reflects the University of South Florida St. Petersburg's academic focus on environmental sciences through the integration of sustainable landscape architectural design solutions. Integral to the design are a series of elevated rain garden planters surrounding the building as a natural transition from the building to the campus. The rain gardens filter rooftop rainwater and reduce the demand on the urban site for stormwater storage. An outdoor dining terrace on the east side of the building provides seating and lounging for student social interactions. Adjacent to the terrace, three oversized wooden lounge platforms provide opportunities for students to “hang out” in a beach like space common to the local waterfront community. Adjacent to the building, expansive covered terraces provide lots of space for outdoor dining and gathering. A community lawn placed just west of the building allows for student play, parties, and entertainment.