The Horticulture and Agriculture Campus at the College of Western Idaho Nampa Campus supports the continued growth of the college’s horticulture and agricultural sciences program while expanding opportunities for hands-on learning. The project blends modern academic facilities with the region’s agricultural heritage, creating an outdoor learning environment that encourages collaboration among students, faculty, and the community.
Details
Location
Nampa, ID
Partners
Cushing Terrell
ESI
College of Western Idaho (CWI)
Axiom
Ecosystem Sciences
Year Completed
2025
Delivery Method
CMGC/CMAR. Design-Build
Context
Context
As enrollment in CWI’s horticulture and agricultural sciences program continued to grow, the college identified the need to relocate and expand the program’s facilities to the main Nampa campus. The project consolidated the program, previously located in northeast Boise, into a new campus environment designed to support both academic instruction and applied agricultural learning.
The site, historically used as farmland, provided an opportunity to reimagine the landscape as an outdoor learning studio. In collaboration with CWI and the project team, the vision focused on transforming the site into a working educational landscape where students can learn, faculty can teach, and the community can engage with agricultural practices.
The site, historically used as farmland, provided an opportunity to reimagine the landscape as an outdoor learning studio. In collaboration with CWI and the project team, the vision focused on transforming the site into a working educational landscape where students can learn, faculty can teach, and the community can engage with agricultural practices.
Process
Process
The Land Group partnered with Cushing Terrell and Engineered Structures Inc. to design the campus expansion. A key component of the project was a new bridge connection linking the existing campus to the expansion area. The bridge alignment crossed sensitive wetlands, requiring careful coordination and permitting with Ecosystem Sciences and the Army Corps of Engineers.
Solution
Solution
The final design emphasizes flexibility, connection, and collaboration. A central entry courtyard between the academic buildings serves as a multi-functional outdoor space that supports daily campus life as well as teaching and community events.
The courtyard is designed to accommodate informal gathering, outdoor instruction, and public activities such as farmers markets. Custom paving patterns and colored concrete reference agricultural forms and materials, subtly connecting the built environment to the surrounding farming landscape.
The courtyard is designed to accommodate informal gathering, outdoor instruction, and public activities such as farmers markets. Custom paving patterns and colored concrete reference agricultural forms and materials, subtly connecting the built environment to the surrounding farming landscape.
Impact
Impact
The new Horticulture and Agriculture Campus strengthens CWI’s ability to provide hands-on agricultural education while expanding opportunities for community engagement. The campus provides space for public programs, demonstrations, and events that connect students and residents with the region’s agricultural heritage and future.