The sticking point was a 26-inch diameter beech tree, which will be cut down
By: Hilary Parker
Trees have been the subject of much debate in Princeton of late, and Thursday night’s Regional Planning Board of Princeton meeting was no different.
After hearing an application from the Institute for Advanced Study for an addition to Bloomberg Hall, the board deliberated over a 26-inch diameter beech tree before unanimously approving the project that will ultimately bring about the tree’s demise to make way for an outdoor courtyard.
The three-story, 12,906-square-foot addition will allow the Institute to house its growing systems biology program with the other departments in the School of Natural Sciences.
"The design of the whole project is really driven by that goal of unification," said Institute Associate Director of Finance and Administration John Masten.
With an eye toward the creation of a "quiet, intellectual landscape with a usable courtyard," architect Rafael Pelli said he and his team repeatedly visited the site of the beech tree to assess whether it might be preserved. Given its location and size, Mr. Pelli said preservation of the tree would result in a shady and "claustrophobic" courtyard. A computer-generated graphic was offered as further evidence to the point.
"It’s a balance," said Township Engineer Robert Kiser of the dilemma. "A larger, nicer plaza area versus a tree."
Members of the board were placated, however, by the Institute’s commitment to plant a number of other trees, including 10 oak trees, in the beech’s stead. A number of Swedish columnar aspens will also be planted just outside the new courtyard.
Though Princeton Township Mayor Phyllis Marchand and board member Wendy Benchley lamented the loss of the beech tree, they said they were convinced by the design team’s presentation of the need to cut it down. Board member Peter Madison lauded the Institute’s "admirable" commitment to sustainable development.
The approved addition will feature the first "green roof" in Princeton. This design, which features a planted rooftop, offers an environmentally sustainable form of stormwater management. The roof will decrease the effect of the .16 acre increase in impervious surface, the applicant said, with the ability to retain 1.39 gallons of water per square foot.
With the approval, the board granted an early start to the project’s footing and foundations. Other details will be worked out in advance of further work on the addition.

