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

Member Price:
Free

Non-Member Price:
Free

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

Member Price:
Free | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

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

Member Price:
Free | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Campus Historic Preservation and Adaptive Reuse

Leverage These Tools to Achieve Your Planning and Sustainability Goals

By: Meaghan Finney, MS, and Michael Patrick, M.Arch, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

By integrating historic buildings into your campus planning, their continued reuse can help solve some of the specific challenges facing university planners today.

From Volume 50 Number 4 | July–September 2022

Abstract: Historic campus buildings are often perceived as a burden, but by integrating them into your campus planning, their continued reuse can help solve some of the specific challenges facing university planners today, specifically in the context of sustainability. There are numerous case studies that demonstrate the successful adaptive reuse of varied campus buildings as well as an undeniable body of evidence showing the benefits of such an approach in working toward carbon neutrality. As long-term stewards of their built environments, colleges and universities are uniquely positioned to realize enduring savings from investing in the energy performance of existing buildings.

Member Price:
Free | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

Fully Engaged

Integrated Planning Was Leveraged to Optimize Community Participation in the University of California, Berkeley’s Campus Master Plan

By: Caitlyn Clauson, MUP, and Marissa Cheng, MArch, AICP

The most effective master plans are those that reflect the myriad voices of the institution. Engagement should be informative, inclusive, meaningful, and fun—and should be the product of an integrated process.

From Volume 50 Number 2 | January–March 2022

Abstract: The most effective master plans are those that reflect the myriad voices of the institution. We’re finding the engagement process is fast becoming as important a product of the plan as the plan itself. Engagement should be informative, inclusive, meaningful, and fun—and should be the product of an integrated process. Leveraging the University of California, Berkeley’s Campus Master Plan as a case study, this article provides a framework for developing custom engagement strategies, and highlights examples, lessons learned, and tips for optimizing meaningful participation.

Institutions Mentioned: University of California-Berkeley
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Campus Master Planning, Communication, Community Engagement, Engaging Stakeholders, Facilities Planning, Master Plan, Planning Processes, Student Engagement, Town and Gown

Member Price:
Free | Login

Member-only Resource

Join now to have access

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

Member Price:
$35 | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

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

Member Price:
$35 | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Presentations

Published
July 13, 2021

2021 Annual Conference | July 2021

A Future Pathway

Leading in a Global Public Health Crisis and Social and Racial Injustice

By: Larisa Genin, Wichita State University | Eileen Strempel, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus | Elizabeth Tutelman, Temple University | Joseph Youngblood II, Thomas Edison State University

This presentation will demonstrate how leaders can surmount 2021’s obstacles by aligning strategic priorities for the future.

Abstract: Higher education experienced extraordinary challenges in 2020 and tackled them head on with agility and creativity. Transformative leadership can help our institutions thrive even in the face of a world health disaster, its attendant fiscal challenges, and systemic racial and social injustice. This presentation will demonstrate how leaders can surmount these obstacles by aligning strategic priorities for the future. Come learn how to work across boundaries, differences, and beliefs while intentionally developing the essential skills and abilities you need to strengthen your institution and community.

Institutions Mentioned: Temple University, Thomas Edison State University, University of Cincinnati-Main Campus, Wichita State University
Planning Types: Academic Planning, Continuity Planning, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Planning, Institutional Effectiveness Planning, Resource Planning, Strategic Planning
Tags: Community Engagement, COVID-19, Engaging Stakeholders, Leadership, Professional Development, SCUP 2021 Annual Conference

Member Price:
Free

Non-Member Price:
Free

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.

Member Price:
Free

Non-Member Price:
Free

Webinar Recordings

Published
September 17, 2020

Out of the Fire and Into the Future

Insights on Essential Planning Strategies Post COVID

By: Pete Zuraw, Vice President, Market Strategy and Development, Gordian (Moderator) | Michael McCormick, Associate Vice President Asset Management and University Architect, University of Washington | Mina Amundsen, Assistant Vice President, Facilities and Capital Planning, Colby College

The integrative process of short-term planning during the pandemic effectively brought together academic, financial, and physical planning, and presents a unique opportunity to continue work across traditional planning silos. Explore new planning modes being used during this crisis and their long-term application.

Abstract: Higher education has been responding in crisis mode since spring and racing toward an entirely new kind of academic year this fall. How can we turn this experience into productive new strategies for planning and leadership?

Existing siloed decision making would not have allowed for a successful response to the rapidly changing conditions brought on by the pandemic. The integrative process of short-term planning effectively brought together academic, financial, and physical planning, and presents a unique opportunity to continue work across traditional planning silos and modes of learning and living.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Washington-Seattle Campus, Colby College
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: COVID-19, Response Planning

Member Price:
Free

Non-Member Price:
Free

Planning Types

Challenges