Learning Resources

Responsive Design

Purposeful Planning Can Be Inclusive for Neurodiverse Students and Support the Well-Being of All

By: Shannon Dowling, MArch, AIA, LEEDAP, and James A. Baumann, MA

By incorporating student choice and voice into the planning and allowing autonomy in scale and adaptability, campuses can provide the environment where all students are most comfortable participating in any given activity.

From Volume 52 Number 1 | October–December 2023

Abstract: Research has shown that neurodivergent students report a lower sense of belonging and are less likely to feel welcomed, accepted, and like they belong on campus than their neurotypical peers. Considering this, a host of barriers to participation and belonging can be in effect across a college or university. While there are a few campus offices and departments that might address different aspects of these concerns independently, the most successful results occur when these groups—along with outside contractors such as design partners—work in strategic symphony.

This article is co-presented by the Association of College & University Housing Officers – International (ACUHO-I) and the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) and is being published in publications for both organizations.

Institutions Mentioned: Colorado School of Mines, Denison University, Lewis & Clark College, Montana State University, Ohio State University-Main Campus, The State University of New York at Albany, University of Georgia, University of Oregon
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Health and Wellness, Informal Learning Environments, Learning Environments, Placemaking, Student Housing

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Walking for Wellness

“Feeling Maps” Can Help Planners to Create Campus Routes that Improve Student Well-Being

By: David Spooner, ASLA, PLA

Planners at the University of Georgia used “feeling maps” to help identify and create healthier connections for faculty, students, and staff traversing between campus destinations.

From Volume 51 Number 2 | January–March 2023

Abstract: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, an effort to address physical and mental well-being on campuses has become a focus. One overlooked opportunity to improve student welfare lies beneath their feet: enhancing campus walkability. Planners at the University of Georgia used “feeling maps” to help identify and create healthier connections for faculty, students, and staff traversing between campus destinations.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Georgia
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Health and Wellness, Landscape / Open Space, Original Research, Placemaking, Student Experience

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Conference Presentations

Published
October 4, 2021

2021 Southern Regional Conference | October 2021

Rejuvenation

Investing in Existing Residence Halls for Bright Futures

By: Lynne Deninger, CannonDesign | Linda Kasper, University of Georgia | Marisa Nemcik, CannonDesign

In this session, we'll provide you with practical strategies that you can apply at your institution as you explore the possibilities of renovating existing student housing facilities.

Abstract: Almost every institution has existing residence halls that they could upgrade for a fraction of the cost of building new. As institutions seek to meet student housing needs, they should consider renovating existing buildings as a viable strategy for creating state-of-the-art facilities. Taking this path can extend building life, attract students, and save capital. In this session, we'll provide you with practical strategies that you can apply at your institution as you explore the possibilities of renovating existing student housing facilities.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Georgia
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Renovation, SCUP 2021 Southern Regional Conference, Student Housing

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Conference Recordings

Published
March 12, 2021

2021 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference | March 2021

Institutional Resilience

Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Change Management

By: Petar Mattioni, KSS Architects LLP | Karl Ulrich, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania | Leandra Davis, Penn Engineering | Mark Kocent, University of Pennsylvania | Mayva Donnon, KSS Architects LLP

In this session, we'll demonstrate through two University of Pennsylvania projects how institutions can approach sustained enrollment, cross-disciplinary collaboration, navigating the funding environment, and adapting to changing user needs in support of long-term institutional resilience.

Abstract: In this session, we'll demonstrate how institutions can approach sustained enrollment, cross-disciplinary collaboration, navigating the funding environment, and adapting to changing user needs in support of long-term institutional resilience. Over the course of two pioneering projects, the University of Pennsylvania recognized the following as key factors in building resilience: multi-modal learning, disciplinary convergence, entrepreneurship and applied research, project delivery, change management, and value of place. Join us to learn new change management and delivery methodologies that you can use to improve your built campus environment's ability to adapt amidst ever-evolving pedagogy.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Pennsylvania
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Planning, Innovation, Interdisciplinary Learning Environments, Learning Environments, Project Management / Delivery, SCUP 2021 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference

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The Connected Campus

Building Long-Term Value and Agility by Connecting Offerings, Organizations and Operations

By: Elliot Felix, MArch

Campus environments play a vital role in student success. By making changes to their combination of spaces, institutions can respond to the shifts transforming higher education. Elliot Felix shares how colleges and universities can prepare for a more blended world by bringing together the digital and physical, enabling greater diversity and inclusion, and implementing flexible structures, staffing, space, and services. Sponsored Content: Knoll and brightspot strategy.

Abstract: Historic separations that defined higher education are dissolving: research is more interdisciplinary, online and on-campus learning are converging, wet and dry labs are blending, teaching and research overlap, and academia forges relationships with corporate partners. Institutions, by improving how they connect what they offer, how they are organized, and how they operate, can build value and agility to better assist their people on campus. Real-world examples in this white paper from Knoll and brightspot strategy discuss how campus spaces support student success, including how to fully use the campus; creating spaces that sustain diverse and flexible ways of working; thinking phygitally; and creating environments where today’s purpose-driven and entrepreneurial students (Gen Z) will thrive as they prepare to enter the workforce.

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Conference Recordings

Published
March 16, 2020

2020 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference | March 2020

How a Substation Project Enabled a New Academic Research Building at Penn

By: Catherine Broh, Partner, MGA Partners | Mark Kocent, University Architect, University of Pennsylvania | Maria O'Callaghan-Cassidy, Senior Director, Operations, The Wharton School

This session will explore how the University of Pennsylvania is achieving new student learning and research spaces within an infrastructure project.

Abstract: With limited financial resources and space constraints, effective use of valuable campus real estate is imperative. Building projects serve more than academic missions on tight urban campuses and campus infrastructure needs must synthesize with academic needs. This session will explore how the University of Pennsylvania is achieving new student learning and research spaces within an infrastructure project. We will share successful innovative business school student learning spaces, operational technologies, and phasing approaches that you can apply to your campus projects.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Pennsylvania
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Energy Infrastructure, Facilities Planning, Multi-Use, SCUP 2020 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, Urban Campus

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Conference Presentations

Published
July 14, 2019

2019 Annual Conference | July 2019

Wellness and Lactation Spaces – the Law, Family Health, and Planning

By: Kathy Benton, Joyce S. Lee, William A. Massey, Tyler Patrick

Abstract: Access to appropriate lactation space is essential for new mothers to participate fully in work and study. Campus planners are positioned to introduce this topic at the beginning stages of new building design or facility renovation. The University of Pennsylvania and SCUP collaborated in a nationwide study to explore lactation policy and facilities in US colleges and universities. We will share results from the study, including user needs along with requirements for evidence-based lactation space design.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Pennsylvania
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Planning, Health and Wellness, SCUP 2019 Annual Conference

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Conference Presentations

Published
June 17, 2019

2019 Mid-Atlantic Symposium | June 2019

The Informal Learning Environment

What’s It Look Like? (by Michael Schade)

By: Michael Schade

One of three presentations in a collection of informal learning environment imagery presented in twelve minutes or less by campus design leaders.

Institutions Mentioned: Bryn Mawr College, Cornell University, Lehigh University, University of Pennsylvania
Planning Types: Campus Planning, Library Planning
Tags: Facilities Design, Informal Learning Environments, Laboratory Facility, Learning Commons, Learning Environments, Library, Mixed-Use, Student Housing

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An Exploration of Lactation Policy and Lactation Facilities Across US Higher Education Campuses (Wellness Rooms)

Research Study Brief

By: SCUP and Penn Nursing

SCUP and the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing collaborated in a nationwide study to explore lactation policy and facilities in US colleges and universities. Download the report, learn about the study, and find many other related resources here.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Pennsylvania
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Planning, Original Research

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Physical and Financial Planning for the Whole Campus

Chapter Seven of Eight Schools: Campus and Culture

By: Robert Spencer Barnett

In earlier years, preceding the advent of strategic planning, campus development was limited by available funds, and most buildings were located to meet short-term need.

From Volume 47 Number 2 | January–March 2019

Institutions Mentioned: Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Virginia, Williams College
Planning Types: Campus Planning

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