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 12, 2021

2021 Annual Conference | July 2021

Campus Tour | University of Toronto-Scarborough

Valley Land Trail

By: Jennifer Adams Peffer, University of Toronto Scarborough | Mayes Rihani, University of Toronto Scarborough | Dan Bender, University of Toronto Scarborough | Mark Schollen, Schollen & Co. | Markus Hiller, Schollen & Co.

The trail was conceived as a truly accessible pathway that brings our community of all abilities closer to nature and opens up options for teaching and research directly within the lands we occupy.

Abstract: The Valley Land Trail at the University of Toronto connects the main upper campus to its ravine and valley lands below. This gently sloping trail winds past trees before climbing above the ravine floor to reveal dramatic views and then ultimately negotiating a 19 meter drop to the forest floor where it meets a city-maintained path. The trail was conceived as a truly accessible pathway that brings our community of all abilities closer to nature and opens up options for teaching and research directly within the lands we occupy.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Toronto-Scarborough
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Campus Master Planning, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Landscape / Open Space, SCUP 2021 Annual Conference

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Webinar Recordings

Published
December 16, 2020

Passive House Design and Residence Halls

The Perfect Pairing

By: Katie Donahue, Handel Architects | Deborah Moelis, Handel Architects | Jennifer Adams Peffer, University of Toronto-Scarborough

The session will discuss the basics of Passive House (PH) design, how it can both save energy and improve the quality of the interior environment. The presenters will illustrate how Passive House design has been incorporated from both a design and administrative standpoint at the new residence hall at the University of Toronto Scarborough.

Abstract: Discover how Passive House design was incorporated into the design of UTSC’s 750-bed residence hall and dining facility; helping the University to meet its sustainability and health & wellness goals. Embracing this high-performance design protocol for student residences of any size will align three goals for any campus: sustainability, student health, and bottom-line financial performance.

Institutions Mentioned: University of Toronto-Scarborough
Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Canada, Energy Efficiency and Conservation, Energy Infrastructure, Facilities Design, Facilities Planning, Student Housing, Sustainability (Environmental)

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