Learning Resources

Abstract: When Princeton University completed its campus plan, it identified the location of a historic Tudor Revival building as an area for growth. As a solution, Princeton developed a plan that would maintain the street's character by relocating the historic building. This process represents a challenge that most institutions face in urban or residential settings where the character of institutional buildings becomes a part of the broader community's identity. Through Princeton's story and process you'll discover how multiple parties came together for meticulous planning, logistics, and engineering that made the move possible and gave way to the next generation of development.

Abstract: A global health crisis intersecting with a racial reckoning has led to a renewed commitment to reflect on complex histories and plan for more inclusive futures on many American campuses. Institutions, which benefitted from traditional hierarchies of power, are starting to grapple with histories of developing indigenous lands and the legacy of a western and able-bodied vernacular within campus design that continues to reinforce in-groups and out-groups. The authors are presently leading first-of-their-kind DEI planning initiatives; in this article they unpack how a public institution is meeting their past head-on to plan better futures.

Abstract: North American institutions have traditionally viewed their lands and histories through a western-oriented cultural lens. Awareness and inclusion of indigenous cultures can be useful in achieving desired outcomes for members of indigenous communities. Creating meaningful indigenous cultural recognition and inclusion on campus is as much about the process as it is the outcomes. Ryerson University's experience with indigenous placemaking offers valuable, practical insights into a process that can help your institution to respect and advance indigenous cultures while balancing many other contextual factors.

Abstract: To gain a broader understanding of how educational equity is linked to campus design, architects and planners must critically examine community engagement practices. Using critical race theory (CRT) as a framework has exposed racial exclusion and colorblind practices in traditional planning processes. While outreach strategies have received greater scrutiny, less examined are the questions that direct those activities. If the prevailing understanding of a design problem is informed by colorblind inquiry, then design solutions hold little promise to improve social impact on communities most affected by educational inequity. Socio-spatial inquiry offers an equity approach to inclusive outreach and authentic engagement.

Abstract: Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a part of the Portland Community College's (PCC) strategic plan and has been an aspect of its academic planning for some time. Including CRT in the use and design of physical space is new and, in some ways, unknown. Learn from PCC's ongoing exploration of what it means to apply CRT to the built environment. We'll discuss how we're rethinking planning and programming activities to encourage more diverse contributions that result in spaces that support all students.