Learning Resources

Abstract: Campus housing is foundational for student retention and academic success, yet it's often beyond the means of many students. To address the growing crisis of student homelessness, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) developed an affordable, co-housing model that changes the conversation around equity and diversity. In this session, we'll explore the unique programmatic elements necessary for developing an equitable campus community. This case study will introduce a new model for vertically integrated co-housing solutions that you can apply on your campus when planning affordable housing projects that enhance student life and learning.

Abstract: Championing excellence through campus initiatives, Morgan State University's Thurgood Marshall Hall centralizes diverse student services at the student's doorstep for a holistic focus on sustainability, wellness, and living-learning. We'll detail this facility's multi-phase, multi-story approach to densifying campus housing as enrollment soars, which preserves open space while integrating premier dining experiences. Join us to explore the financial, operational, experiential, and wellness outcomes of a hybrid housing and dining facility that encompasses multiple student services at one thriving HBCU, including planning and design aspects with scalable techniques for elevating campus life.

Abstract: In a dynamic higher education landscape, attracting and retaining students becomes paramount amid projected enrollment declines. This article explores Texas Wesleyan University’s journey in assessing student life needs on campus, engaging key stakeholders, and implementing an expedited, cost-effective mini-master plan design process. The authors demonstrate how the university and design team gathered research and developed and presented program recommendations to enhance TWU’s overall student experience and meet evolving student needs.

Abstract: How can the campus best support student development in a safe, yet open environment? On an urban campus, these concerns are intensified: There is much more localized activity for students to engage with in their city environment, and many more stakeholders influence how the institution can assert itself in that environment.

In this 2022-2023 SCUP Fellow research report, Joel Pettigrew reflects on how campus edge dynamics and student sense of security play out at several urban campuses. Pettigrew weaves together his operational understanding of campus life with a design understanding of how planners and architects approach the campus to explore how these “two languages” inform student security and well-being, and notes in conclusion that there are many research threads yet to follow.

Abstract: After the 2017 earthquake in Mexico City, Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey’s campus underwent a transformative rebuilding process that emerged as a pedagogical prototype for the university system. This article explores the design strategies that prioritized civic engagement, resulting in buy-in, support, and representation from the community. It also describes the methodology behind blurring the boundaries between the university and its surroundings through lean principles in set-based design, strategies for resilient building, and insights into effective collaboration.

Abstract: In our hybrid environment, it’s more important than ever to pull people away from their devices to build community and connection on campus. Food has the power to bring students and faculty from different backgrounds together and provide a fundamental academic experience. Through campus and workplace examples, we’ll show how food venue design can set a positive tone for interaction and support meaningful connections and wellbeing. Come learn how to plan campus food venues that serve an academic purpose, refine venue goals, and inform venue design through operations to make it more impactful and sustainable.

Abstract: Profound technological changes are occurring today, and universities need to prepare our students to work and live in this new world. Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech) is addressing the future of technology in society, academia, and the campus through our Tech Forward Strategic Plan, a bold enrollment and retention initiative, an aggressive capital campaign, and a dynamic hiring initiative. Our aspirational campus master plan, developed in partnership with SmithGroup, an integrated design firm, integrates and supports these initiatives and goals. Active stakeholder engagement, frequent reviews, and vigorous discussion allowed us to craft a campus master plan aligning strategic, physical, and capital planning that supports and drives the university’s 2035 Vision.

Abstract: Detailed campus master plan documentation for the Texas A&M University’s RELLIS innovation campus, located 15 minutes from the main campus in College Station.

From the executive summary:
“The 2018 RELLIS Campus Master Plan is a planning effort that focuses on supporting The Texas A&M University System as a national leader in high-tech research, innovation, training, and technological development. Key aspects of this plan focus on supporting and guiding campus organization, buildout development, open space networks, facility programming, and improving social amenities located within the campus. Issues considered in this 20-year planning horizon anticipate enrollment growth, increased teaching and research demands, future transportation needs, sustainability, and economic growth. A campus-wide advisory committee included multiple stakeholders which helped shape the strategic goals that will guide the physical development of the campus during the life of the 2018 master plan. The changes presented in this plan are intended to transform the largely undeveloped 1,877 acres of land into a multi-institutional research, testing, and workforce development campus that directly benefits society at large. The 2020 update to this plan reflects additional study and progress on the campus as of December 31, 2019.”

Contents:

• Introduction (includes approach and timeline)
• Background
• The Vision
• Plan Elements
• Infrastructure Plan
• Guidelines
• Signage and Wayfinding
• Appendices

Abstract: Universities are essential partners in addressing the critical challenges facing urban communities. In this session, we'll discuss how urban institutions are serving essential roles in their cities by addressing inequities in education, economic opportunities, and health. Come find inspiration from three groundbreaking institutional leaders who are facilitating meaningful strategic change through campus and city collaboration and a commitment to serving the broader community.