Atlanta, Georgia
Client: Mercer University
Size: 1.25 acres
Status: Completed 2023
Collaborators: Rowen Foundation
Reclaiming a rooftop as a functional and experiential campus destination.
HGOR led the transformation of the 1.25-acre rooftop at Mercer University’s Administration and Conference Center, converting an underperforming and outdated space into a functional and engaging campus amenity. Originally constructed in 1974, the rooftop suffered from failing waterproofing systems and a lack of usable program, resulting in an uncomfortable and largely inactive environment. As part of a broader remediation effort, HGOR reimagined the space through a combination of planting, paving, and flexible program areas—creating a human-scaled landscape that supports gathering, movement, and everyday use while enhancing the building’s role as a conference destination
From Repair to Redesign
What began as a waterproofing and paver replacement project became an opportunity to fundamentally rethink the rooftop experience. Rather than replacing materials in-kind, HGOR proposed a hybrid surface strategy—combining pavers, synthetic turf, and planting—to improve comfort, usability, and visual character with minimal additional cost.
The original rooftop also felt oversized and exposed due to the building’s architectural scale. HGOR introduced bold geometric interventions to organize the space into distinct zones by creating areas for events, informal gathering, and outdoor work. These moves brought the environment down to a human scale and made the space feel intentional rather than residual
A Walkable Experience Above Campus
A 1/6-mile walking loop was integrated along the roof’s perimeter, connecting program areas while creating an experiential path with views across campus. This simple move adds both function and identity, turning the roof into a useful destination rather than a space to simply pass through.
Planting for Performance and Education
The use of a 100% native plant palette supports stormwater retention, creates habitat, and introduces an educational layer for users. The landscape not only improves environmental performance but also reinforces Mercer’s broader sustainability values.
