Learning Resources

Abstract: Colleges and universities are in the midst of a transition from an access mindset to a success mindset, and campus facilities can play a role in this shift. Institutions don’t have to guess at how—a large body of research can and should inform how we plan, design, and operate our campuses. In this article, the author draws upon research from his book How to Get the Most Out of College to highlight the evidence that campus planners and designers can use to help drive student success.

Abstract: Existing buildings are a tremendous untapped resource in climate action—reusing an existing building offers substantial carbon savings in the critical near term, which is the timeframe that matters as we look to stay within the Paris Agreement’s critical carbon budget. Read about two renovations that substantially reduced emissions while preserving campus character.

Abstract: While adopted as a safer near-term solution, outdoor learning environments now seem likely to play a larger role in long-term planning. Schools will now use lessons learned during the pandemic to think more critically about outdoor campus space as an integral component of classroom education and to support student wellbeing. Before the Fall 2020 semester, the Siebel Center for Design at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign partnered with architects and engineers to lead a virtual design charrette focused on extending the life of outdoor campus spaces as learning environments. They also reached out to schools around the country to learn about their recent experiences with these spaces.

Abstract: Campuses focus on safety as they welcome students back into residence halls—but it won't be the only thing they consider. The purposeful design of campus housing, from its earliest days, has had to nurture the community and ensure safety simultaneously. When done properly, that sense of shared residence promotes safety as the residents look out for one another both consciously and subconsciously. However, with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new threat has been introduced. What happens now when an instrumental source of protection and fellow students and residents may become the source of the danger? Throw into the mix the fact that features and strategies to keep residents separated flies in the face of generations spent striving to bring them together. In this new normal, the mission of community and collaboration hasn't changed, but the ways in which it is achieved may have to.

Abstract: Active learning environments are being designed and implemented across college and university campuses to support a range of collaborative, evidence-based pedagogies. Given the continuum of human neurodiversity, these environments may optimize the learning experience for some students, while creating new challenges for others. When designing active learning spaces, it is imperative to consider student neurodiversity.