The design of a campus is used here as an example of how spatial design inspired by complexity science articulates humanity within the urban environment. This topic is of interest as it relates to institutional design, which can be implemented by a single stakeholder. In practical terms, this case is central to the planning debate because some of today’s most important building and urban projects tend to be corporate campuses (e.g. for technology companies). A campus defines a predominantly pedestrian environment with multiple internal and external links. The whole mix works well when the distances among buildings permit students to walk to their next class in usually a 10-minute break, and co-workers to easily visit another building nearby. An urban geometry that feels welcoming and creates a stress-free atmosphere is more conducive—some would claim essential—to learning and social contacts. I present a toolbox for building and repairing a campus that relies upon solutions evolved in traditional architecture and urbanism. Those do not, however, impose any particular architectural style. The proposed design methodology also re-introduces the design patterns of Christopher Alexander. These guidelines go much further to incorporate recent scientific results from biophilia, complexity, and neuroscience. All of this material, not in current use in architectural academia and practice, gives a robust and flexible framework for re-conceiving a campus that works as a place of life.