Camp Alonim Master Plan and Design Concepts

The American Jewish University created Camp Alonim in 1953 at its Brandeis-Bardin Campus in California. The camp is located on 70 acres along a narrow valley that features a predominately dry stream bed. The Camp approached Domokur & Associates to provide Master Planning and conceptual Architecture services. Engaging with camp staff, the Camp’s Advisory Board, and Capital and Site Committee, the Design Team developed a Master Plan through a series of site visits and work sessions. 3D models of the site and proposed buildings were produced as a tool to convey the site challenges and opportunities, refine programmatic and operational relationships, and explore phasing options with stakeholders. 

Most of Camp Alonim’s existing facilities are located in a floodplain, which posed significant challenges for expansion and development. The Master Plan maintained, renovated, or repurposed these existing buildings within the floodplain, and used the surrounding bluffs to develop new camper and staff housing. Other objectives of the Master Plan included a new entry and arrival area, a new equestrian center, and a new aquatics center. Enhancing the existing adventure and sports activities was also proposed, as well as repurposing the existing camper cabins into studio and program spaces.

The implementation of the Master Plan consists of three phases that will be completed over several years. Each phase identifies various types of projects, some of which can occur at any time and others that will need a specific order of implementation. Designed with sustainability in mind, each new facility and/or site improvement allows for the successful growth of the Camp while providing sustainable development for the future.