Learning Resources

Supporting Neurodiversity in Higher Education

When Every Space Counts

By: Kathleen Kelly, MBA, AIA, LEED A+P

By integrating several unique campus voices, we can realize that unassignable space is highly valuable to the neurodivergent campus occupant.

From Volume 51 Number 4 | July–September 2023

Abstract: While universities have long been bastions of intellectual diversity, they are now embracing a broader understanding of diversity that extends beyond race, gender, and socioeconomic background. Neurodiversity, a concept celebrating the natural variations in human neurological functioning, is gaining prominence as an essential aspect of fostering a truly inclusive educational environment.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, University of Southern Denmark, Syracuse University, University of California-Berkeley, University of Washington-Seattle Campus, University of Toronto-Downtown Toronto (St. George), Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Accessibility, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Health and Wellness, Informal Learning Environments, Space Assessment

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Conference Recordings

Published
July 15, 2021

2021 Annual Conference | July 2021

Go Outside! Learnscapes and Optimizing the Spaces In Between

By: Heidi Creighton, BuroHappold Engineering | Julie Hendricks, University of California-Santa Barbara | Alice Kimm, JFAK Architects | Mia Lehrer, Studio-MLA

In this session, we'll discuss how to connect structure, landscape, and sustainability to counter VUCA and establish stable and productive learning environments that enhance performance, creativity, and wellness through connections to nature and newly-expanded views and perspectives.

Abstract: Pandemics aren't going away, which is why institutions must invest in permanent outdoor learnscapes to optimize educational outcomes. In this session, we'll discuss how to connect structure, landscape, and sustainability to counter VUCA and establish stable and productive learning environments that enhance performance, creativity, and wellness through connections to nature and newly-expanded views and perspectives. Come discover new ways to transform your outdoor campus spaces with wellness-oriented designs to offset enrollment decline, maintain stable learning conditions, and stabilize class sizes.

Institutions Mentioned: University of California-Santa Barbara
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Landscape / Open Space, Learning Environments, SCUP 2021 Annual Conference

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Conference Recordings

Published
July 14, 2021

2021 Annual Conference | July 2021

Connecting Wellbeing With Learning and Engagement

By: Jessica Figenholtz, Perkins&Will | Jody Gerome, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine | Tina Whalen, University of Cincinnati

We'll demonstrate how two universities are using design to drive impact, sharing resources, and working together to build programs that prioritize student wellbeing.

Abstract: During the pandemic, institutions are pivoting away from traditional silos and turning to internal integration to advance whole student wellbeing—building human capacity, resiliency, and confidence to meet challenges and persist. Wellbeing should not be an afterthought, but rather a driving principle that guides decisions throughout the planning process. We'll demonstrate how two universities are using design to drive impact, sharing resources, and working together to build programs that prioritize student wellbeing. Join us to find out how intentional integration of curriculum, adjacencies, policies, and recruitment can benefit your bottom line and campus environment.

Institutions Mentioned: Ohio University-Main Campus, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Experiential Learning, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Health and Wellness, Learning Environments, SCUP 2021 Annual Conference, Student Engagement

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Conference Recordings

Published
April 30, 2021

2021 Pacific Regional Conference | April–June 2021

Mindful Redesign for New and Effective Learning Environments

By: Alice Kimm, John Friedman Alice Kimm Architects (JFAK) | Collette Creppell, Chapman University | Heidi Creighton, BuroHappold Engineering | Mia Lehrer, Studio-MLA | Julie Hendricks, University of California-Santa Barbara | Jennifer Milliron, LMN Architects | Helen Chu, Stanford University | Leesa Beck, University of California-Santa Barbara | David Gier, University of Michigan | Royce Smith, Montana State University – Bozeman | Timothy Waters, Sextant Group / NV5 Engineering & Technology

Join us to discuss what our campuses are planning for the immediate and distant future of teaching and learning.

Abstract: This session will focus on how changes in academic planning—accelerated in large part due to COVID-19—are resulting in new physical and virtual frameworks for learning. These range from enhanced online platforms to flexible hybrid environments, including the reappropriation and redesign of ‘found spaces,’ such as valuable and underutilized exterior zones on our existing campuses. Join us to discuss what our campuses are planning for the immediate and distant future of teaching and learning.

Institutions Mentioned: Chapman University, Montana State University – Bozeman, Stanford University, University of California-Santa Barbara, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Planning Types: Academic Planning, Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Flexible Learning Spaces, Learning Environments, Online Learning, SCUP 2021 Pacific Regional Conference, Teaching and Learning

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Conference Recordings

Published
March 11, 2021

2021 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference | March 2021

Reaping the Benefits of a New Building? Without Building New

By: Jennifer Amster, EYP | Laura Berman, Rutgers University | Justin Shultz, EYP Architecture & Engineering

In this session, we'll demonstrate how to renovate your campus spaces to maximize programming and performance, using a planning approach that addresses the unique challenges of modernizing existing buildings, accommodating future-focused programming needs, and minimizing operational costs.

Abstract: Owing to the pandemic's economic impact, campus budgets are facing greater challenges to recruit students and meet expectations for state-of-the-art spaces. In this session, we'll demonstrate how to renovate your campus spaces to maximize programming and performance. We've integrated key aspects of high-performance design into a planning approach that addresses the unique challenges of modernizing existing buildings, accommodating future-focused programming needs, and minimizing operational costs. Come learn about a process that will help you consider the highest use of all resources through a variety of lenses and work with stakeholders on your campus to develop a common vision.

Institutions Mentioned: Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: COVID-19, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Learning Environments, Renovation, SCUP 2021 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, Space Assessment, Space Management

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Designing for Remembrance, Learning, and Healing

How campuses memorialize tragic events

By: Mahauganee Shaw Bonds, PhD, Researcher and Educator, 2017–2018 SCUP Fellow

Abstract: After a campus tragedy, the first steps for the community toward settling into the new normal often entail working through the gravity of recent events. This work includes a need for internal reflection, external processing, and collective healing. Campus communities engaged in this process often find a way to memorialize the events that have shaken them and to honor the lives of any community members lost to tragedy. This research project focuses on physical memorials that are the result of a tragic moment in institutional history.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Design, Original Research

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