A Dynamic, Living Laboratory
In response to the 2007 drought that exposed ecological vulnerabilities in Durham's infrastructure, Duke University turned to NBW to design a stormwater management system that would reduce the campus’s dependence on municipal water. As part of a broader ecological infrastructure initiative, the resulting Duke Pond system and its 12-acre surrounding landscape have become a vital part of the university's commitment to sustainability. By capturing and processing runoff from a fifth of the main campus, the system now saves over 100 million gallons of potable water annually, transforming a critical ecological challenge into a solution that benefits both the campus and its broader environmental context.
The design integrates the Olmsted Brothers' 1924 landscape plans for the university with a forward-thinking approach to stormwater management. As the pond collects rainwater and runoff, it helps reduce the impact of excess sediment and nutrients on the local ecosystem while providing a refuge for wildlife. Through careful design and collaboration with faculty, students, and outdoor researchers, Duke Pond has evolved into a dynamic, living laboratory — a space that fosters ecological curiosity while honoring Duke's historic commitment to landscape stewardship. The landscape now includes a pavilion, boardwalk, walking paths, and an amphitheater, all of which serve as accessible learning spaces for visitors and researchers alike.
By addressing the challenges of impervious surfaces and nutrient-rich runoff, the design supports the creation of a more ecologically productive wetland, helping Duke fulfill its long-term sustainability goals. The pond’s edge is planted with more than 40 native plant species, selected to restore biodiversity and enhance the pond's role as a habitat for birds. Birdwatchers now frequent the site, documenting sightings of species such as Belted Kingfishers, Eastern Bluebirds, Great Blue Herons, and Hooded Mergansers, further demonstrating the ecological vitality of the pond and its landscape.
The design extends Duke's commitment to sustainability through practical and educational elements, including trails made from trees felled during construction, which provide access points and viewpoints for students and visitors. This project serves as both a demonstration of sustainable practices and a tangible example of how ecological design can support urban resilience. The collaboration between the Olmsted legacy, Duke's academic community, and contemporary ecological thinking creates a space where future generations of students and researchers can engage with and contribute to the evolving dialogue around sustainability and landscape stewardship.
