With a growing student population, Keene State began to focus on creating a new outdoor hub in its dynamic southern residential district. Until recently, Bushnell Hall was an array of three older residential buildings in need of replacement. Today, the former residence hall is now a modern quad designed to accommodate the outdoor programming needs of this bustling district. 

The design of the new quad focuses heavily on both practical and social aspects of the site. Stormwater management strategies were important to managing the flow of water, and a flexible-event plaza, composed of two intersecting universally accessible paths along with arcing concrete amphitheater accommodates the seamless flow of people through the site. The site abuts parking lots to the west and south, and the Living Learning Commons (LLC) to the east. The amphitheater and seating is backed by an earthen berm of grasses and trees. The planting palette is an array of shade and flowering trees, shrubs, perennials, and seasonal bulbs that bloom at graduation providing another photo moment for fresh graduates.