Learning Resources

Abstract: Administrators at colleges and universities across the country face mounting concerns over enrollment rates, curricular rigor, and climbing real estate costs. These challenges are particularly daunting for liberal arts institutions, many of which have pivoted or are pivoting to STEM programs out of necessity. Cross-disciplinary colocation strategies can enhance hands-on learning opportunities while optimizing spatial and financial resources. This article explores the planning approach to forming mutually successful partnerships between dissimilar academic programs through mission-oriented cross-functional collaboration, including examples of tools and processes for data-informed decision-making.

Abstract: This article explores the application of interdisciplinary translational design (ITD) as a method to overcome disciplinary silos, enhance collaboration and integration across various fields, and promote a culture of respect and cooperation. ITD facilitates the creation of adaptable, technology-rich environments supportive of future-oriented research. Emphasizing practical applications and the integration of diverse expertise, ITD is presented as a transformative approach to educational facility design, fostering more effective interdisciplinary interactions and optimized research outcomes.

Abstract: As the role of arts and culture in our cities evolves, institutions are responding by growing their performing arts programs to enhance connection and build community. This session will explore how the planning, programming, and design of performing arts facilities at two institutions plays a vital role in reinvigorating and energizing the urban condition. Come learn how institutions can use the performing arts to enhance in-person eduction and advance arts and culture within an evolving technological paradigm.

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: Institutions must be increasingly nimble and respond gracefully to unexpected changes while still elevating aspirations for high-performance facilities. Knox College's new campus expansion demonstrates a useful roadmap for raising the bar for high-performance buildings amid rapid and unexpected growth to accommodate a new arts district. Join us to hear the success story of Knox's unplanned expansion using an integrated, flexible, and collaborative process that yielded a high-efficiency, high-performance, and award-winning academic art building.

Abstract: Applying interdisciplinary planning to cultivate entrepreneurship research and innovation can boost student retention and drive revenue; it can also help students in art and design fields find lasting career success. Arizona State University has developed processes to bolster entrepreneurship and innovation while revitalizing downtown Phoenix's cultural scene, resulting in a mutually beneficial town and gown development of collaboration hubs. Come learn how to develop strategic partnerships among university, developer, and consultant stakeholders at your institution as well as optimize site development for long-term improvements in recruitment, retention, and revenue.

Abstract: The latest installment of a developing arts district at Auburn University, The Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center is an 85,000 gross square feet facility consisting of a multi-purpose performance hall, a flexible second venue and outdoor amphitheater, and public front-of-house and technical back-of-house support spaces. This virtual live tour will feature a mixture of produced video and live feed to offer an overview of the planning and architectural considerations involved in the design of a community-facing building and will exhibit live demonstrations of the multi-purpose hall’s rigging and technical components. The executive director of the Gogue Center will provide additional insight on how programming and facility use has adapted during a pandemic, followed by Q&A.

Abstract: Isttaniokaksini—the Blackfoot name bestowed on the new Science Commons for transdisciplinary science at the University of Lethbridge—means deep knowledge and awareness growing out of the unknown. The new 32,600 SM collaborative science facility is sited in the iconic coulee landscape adjacent to University Hall, one of noted Canadian architect Arthur Erickson’s most iconic works. The architecture of Isttaniokaksini / Science Commons realizes the vision to create the most advanced science building in Canada and an incubator for transdisciplinary discovery. Planned for many generations into the future, the design creates a highly sustainable, flexible, and supportive platform for discovering solutions to the challenges facing humanity, nature, and the universe.