Learning Resources

Co-Locate and Consolidate to Create Connected Campuses

Grow in Place Rather Than Add More Space Where Students Will Succeed

By: Elliot Felix, MArch

You can share spaces, support services, staffing, and technology systems within your institution and with external partners. This reduces costs while improving outcomes such as retention, graduation, and career placement rates.

From Volume 53 Number 3 | April–June 2025

Abstract: Colleges and universities have a traditional way to meet new needs. When there is a new research initiative, degree program, or student support function, institutions add space. Despite good intentions, their siloed structures, poor strategic planning, and history of continuous expansion mean that institutions adapt by adding. The result: Campuses are overbuilt and underutilized. Instead of shared spaces and seamless, supportive experiences, we’re left with sprawling campuses and spiraling costs. With enrollments, research funding, and our climate all changing, it’s time for a new model and a new mantra: Grow in place rather than add more space.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Virginia-Main Campus, Normandale Community College, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Academic Facility, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Learning Commons, Renovation, Shared Facilities, Student Experience

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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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Permeability by Design

Fostering flow, creating connectivity, promoting creative solutions.

By: Jeanne L. Narum, Thomas Hickerson, Barbara J Speziale, and Jorge A Vanegas

Permeable spaces invite people in, encourage use, are flexible and memorable, and allow coming and going. You can infuse permeability into almost any learning space. Read how three campuses (Texas A&M University Campus, Clemson University, and University of Calgary) are using permeability in their emerging design elements.

Institutions Mentioned: Texas A & M University-College Station, Clemson University, University of Calgary
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Learning Environments

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Free

Non-Member Price:
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Land-Grant Campuses for the 21st Century

Moving Beyond Rural and Semi-Rural Sites

By: Greg Havens

To address new population groups and respond to today’s challenges, these institutions plan spaces that also welcome urban, suburban, and remote students.

From Volume 47 Number 2 | January–March 2019

Abstract: Over their 150-year history, land-grant universities have played a tremendous and vital role in the development of the United States and the education of its people. Most of these institutions were established as the result of the Morrill Land-Grant Act of 1862. How has this mission, drafted in a much different time, held up over the years? As we move toward the third decade of the twenty-first century, many universities are evolving to better embrace changing student demographics; build industry partnerships; and reframe campus legacies to ensure that the land-grant mission still supports the needs of our times.

Institutions Mentioned: Auburn University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Clemson University, University of Kentucky, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, University of Maine at Orono
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Campus Master Planning, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Public-Private Partnerships (P3), Student Housing