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Webinar Recordings

Published
May 5, 2026

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A 21st Century Learning Environment

Recycling a Victorian Hospital

Join to hear about the aims of the University Design Forum and how to redesign a historical building into a modern learning environment.
Abstract: This event is a collaboration between SCUP and the University Design Forum.

Please join to hear about the aims of the University Design Forum which are similar to SCUP but also how to redesign a historical building into a modern learning environment.

The Edinburgh Futures Institute at the University of Edinburgh is a major investment for one of the world’s leading academic institutions. Having purchased the City’s Old Royal Infirmary, the University embarked on a nine-year project to bring the dilapidated, but much loved, Grade A Listed building back to life as a centre for interdisciplinary teaching and research. After a short introduction to the building, this session will explore the project vision, realisation and lessons learnt along the way.

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Webinar Recordings

Published
April 30, 2026

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LEEDv5

An Introduction

This session explores how the newest rating system reframes sustainability around climate action, ecological restoration, and quality of life while raising the bar on decarbonization, electrification, resilience, embodied carbon, and transparency.
Abstract: This webinar is part of SCUP’s Sponsored Series and is presented in partnership with Ayers Saint Gross. Join us for an engaging introduction to LEEDv5 and what it means for the future of sustainable design. This session explores how the newest rating system reframes sustainability around climate action, ecological restoration, and quality of life while raising the bar on decarbonization, electrification, resilience, embodied carbon, and transparency. You’ll gain a clear overview of what’s changed across major credit categories, how performance metrics are shifting from cost-based to carbon- and outcomes-based measures, and what new expectations, like operational carbon neutrality for LEED Platinum, mean for your projects. Through real examples and practical discussion, we’ll unpack how LEEDv5 may impact scope, owner engagement, and team coordination so you can prepare your projects and partners with confidence.

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Free

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Conference Presentations

Published
April 7, 2025

Turning Campus Green Space Into Student Success

Abstract: Creative use of campus green space does more than enhance curb appeal; it has a major impact on recruitment, active learning, and student success. The science behind green spaces is based on the idea that exposure to nature can improve performance. Academic green spaces serve as settings for physical activity, recreation, and social interaction, all of which enhance student health and wellbeing through respite from academic life. This session will demonstrate how to maximize the impact of campus green space on student success, focusing on small, practical steps, and develop a plan for future collaborative opportunities in student engagement.

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Conference Presentations

Published
April 7, 2025

When City Parks Are Your Quad: Urban Campus Planning for Safety and Wellbeing

Abstract: As security remains of paramount concern for campus communities, how should institutions thoughtfully engage the urban fabric? Urban campuses are constrained by their verticality and publicly-permeable urban edges. This session will delve into a 2023 SCUP Fellows report with additional updated analysis of campus responses and overreach to protests this past year. In-depth analysis of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles through a lens of student development theory will provide you with insight into student wellbeing and sense of security through campus design.

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Conference Presentations

Published
April 3, 2025

Piloting Health and Wellbeing Metrics in University Capital Projects

Abstract: The University of California system recently incorporated wellbeing and diversity goals in its sustainability practices policy. Campuses must start planning how they will proactively move these goals forward. This session will provide a successful example of piloting new metrics?Äîbased upon the WELL Building Standard?Äîin university capital projects to ensure and maintain occupants' good health and wellbeing through cross-campus integration. Join us to explore opportunities for applying the WELL rating system's ten concepts that elevate wellbeing and physical environment health impacts on your campus.

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Conference Presentations

Published
October 22, 2024

A Guidebook for Inclusive Design

This session will show how to implement a unified approach to inclusive design within high-performing sustainable buildings by incorporating intentional design solutions that account for diverse human conditions and experiences.
Abstract: This session will show how to implement a unified approach to inclusive design within high-performing sustainable buildings by incorporating intentional design solutions that account for diverse human conditions and experiences. Using real-world examples and best practices, we'll explore how to improve wellbeing and accessibility for those with disabilities through inclusive principles of providing generous space, equitable experiences, clear path, and individual empowerment. Come learn how you can design inclusive spaces for all by evaluating and integrating many of our guidebook's 37 strategies in your future projects prior to the programming and conceptual phases.

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Planning for Higher Education Journal

Published
August 16, 2024

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Bridging Research Silos

Improve Collaboration with a Planning Framework

The authors emphasize practical applications and the integration of diverse expertise as a transformative approach to educational facility design.

From Volume 52 Number 4 | July–September 2024

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.

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Conference Presentations

Published
July 23, 2024

Best Practices for Campuswide Mobility Planning

Recent years have seen mobility pattern shifts, new micromobility devices, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, and surging traffic deaths. Higher education campuses are uniquely placed to implement best-practice pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, but they face different opportunities and constraints.
Abstract: Recent years have seen mobility pattern shifts, new micromobility devices, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, and surging traffic deaths. Higher education campuses are uniquely placed to implement best-practice pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, but they face different opportunities and constraints. This session will discuss how Northwestern University and Illinois Medical District approach transportation challenges and strategies for campus mobility planning and policy development around adapting and improving safety. Come delve into these two campuses' mobility planning efforts to discover best practices for planning processes, policy language, infrastructure design, and integrated implementation and operations strategies.

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Conference Presentations

Published
July 23, 2024

Building a New Medical School With Integrated Project Delivery

Effective means and methods for building projects result in campus environments that advance institutional missions and goals, ensure student success, and support campus communities working for change.
Abstract: Effective means and methods for building projects result in campus environments that advance institutional missions and goals, ensure student success, and support campus communities working for change. This session will demonstrate how administrators, planners, and designers joined forces to coordinate an integrated project delivery to build a new medical school that promotes success for a diverse student body. We'll highlight strategies for prioritizing during the decision-making process, including identifying physical space needs to support program initiatives, developing planning guidelines for those needs, and enacting a design-build process to meet those needs in the built environment.

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Conference Presentations

Published
July 23, 2024

Finding Innovation in the ‘Space Between’

As the University of Houston (UH) plans for its second century, the campus is looking to the 'space between' buildings, such as landscape and public space, for innovative opportunities to expand cross-disciplinary discovery.
Abstract: As the University of Houston (UH) plans for its second century, the campus is looking to the 'space between' buildings, such as landscape and public space, for innovative opportunities to expand cross-disciplinary discovery. This session will share how and why UH is remaking its arrival experience, central quad, and campus woodlands to foster social, physical, and mental wellbeing for the campus community. We'll discuss how to balance a 100-year stewardship planning framework with the pace of accelerated research and new buildings, demonstrating how both frames of reference can contribute to a campus's strategic objectives and an innovation mindset.

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