Krause Campo, Posner Center
The Posner Center, nestled between Posner Hall and the College of Fine Arts, is primarily underground, which provided an opportunity to design a rooftop structural garden, Kraus Campo. Designed and created by artist Mel Bochner and landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh, the garden combines principles of fine art and landscape design. The design collaboration between landscape architect and artist is rare among projects of its kind. As stated by Eric Sloss who wrote about Kraus Campo in 2005, “it is both garden-as-sculpture and sculpture-as-garden”.
Bochner wrote:
“The original inspiration came from the Greek agora, an open marketplace where teachers of different philosophies held classes side by side, and where students could listen to their teachers debate, all while walking along. I imagined a place where walking and getting lost in conversation could become an active, rather than a passive pleasure; a place to meet friends and colleagues, or encounter strangers from other disciplines—a literal marketplace of ideas.”
Among the garden’s winding paths, planted areas create rolling mounds. These mounds offer visual interest, but the varying soil depths also provide shelter for insects, birds, and small mammals. Also, the fact that Kraus Campo nestled between two tall buildings and is visually stunning from above, allows for enhanced views from the neighboring classrooms and offices.
The building houses the Posner Family collection of rare books, jade, and ivory carvings. The collection includes one of only four copies of the Bill of Rights printed by Thomas Jefferson in 1792 and Christopher Columbus' letter to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain describing his first voyage to America. It is said to be one of the top five private collections of rare art and books in the world. With such important documents within the building, great care was taken to ensure no leaks would occur from the green roof above.
Featured Flora: Evergreen boxwoods and azaleas planted in mass provide a visually stunning view from above.
Location: The building is located between the College of Fine Arts and Posner Hall. The main entranceway faces the CFA parking lot and the tennis courts. The garden's rear entrance is adjacent to the Hall of Arts and the Peace Garden.
Accessibility: Kraus Campo is a public garden that can be accessed from a path leading from Frew Street or via stairs or ramp that lead up from either side of the front entrance to the Posner Center.
Cascading plantings surround the staircase leading to the Kraus Campo and rooftop garden. Photo courtesy of Alexander Johnson, 2025
Azaleas are a common ornamental plant with several species native to North America, Asia, and Europe. Photo courtesy of Alexander Johnson, 2025
