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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.

Member Price:
Free

Non-Member Price:
Free

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.

Member Price:
Free

Non-Member Price:
Free

Conference Presentations,Conference Recordings

Published
June 16, 2025

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Designing a Flexible and Resilient Research Building Through Integrated Planning

This session will highlight how a collaborative team promoted innovation to enable decision making throughout the Plant Sciences Initiative design process at North Carolina State University (NCSU).
Abstract: This session will highlight how a collaborative team promoted innovation to enable decision making throughout the Plant Sciences Initiative design process at North Carolina State University (NCSU). Built pre-pandemic, this future-proofed building continues to successfully serve as an energizing hub for innovation. NCSU's integrated planning and data-driven process for designing a flexible academic research building has inspired cross-functional collaboration, leading to increased industry partnerships and innovations. Come learn how leveraging benchmarking, analytics, and an integrated planning process can produce a successfully designed, forward-thinking research building.

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Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Presentations,Conference Recordings

Published
June 4, 2025

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Designing for Intentional Community: Dartmouth’s Housing Transformation

Planning processes must be versatile and nimble to accommodate changing priorities.
Abstract: Planning processes must be versatile and nimble to accommodate changing priorities. This session will show how a design team developed a flexible data visualization tool that allows Dartmouth University to play out scenarios as priorities change over time. As Dartmouth renews its plans, we'll provide a comprehensive look at how the team considered parity, distribution, and student wellness in a three-part planning effort. Discover how you can apply our data visualization tool to describe complex variables to stakeholders, as well as use scenario planning to align cost, student experience, and institutional goals over the course of your plan's realization.

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Non-Member Price:
$50

Conference Presentations

Published
April 8, 2025

Designing for Intentional Community: Dartmouth’s Housing Transformation

Abstract: Planning processes must be versatile and nimble to accommodate changing priorities. This session will show how a design team developed a flexible data visualization tool that allows Dartmouth University to play out scenarios as priorities change over time. As Dartmouth renews its plans, we'll provide a comprehensive look at how the team considered parity, distribution, and student wellness in a three-part planning effort. Discover how you can apply our data visualization tool to describe complex variables to stakeholders, as well as use scenario planning to align cost, student experience, and institutional goals over the course of your plan's realization.

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$35  | Login

Non-Member Price:
$50

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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$50

Conference Presentations

Published
April 2, 2025

A Data-driven Approach to Revolutionize Campus Planning

Abstract: Many campuses face real estate pressures, reduced funding, and aging assets, but often lack complete data sets or tools for visualizing the connection between campus priorities. Bold strategies and tools can help us find commonalities and opportunities in a time of limitless needs and constrained resources. We will detail an approach that considers cost, campus vision, and asset management goals to enable flexible solutions with a data-driven analysis of capital planning alternatives. Come learn how to determine which data matters and how to approach your campus's challenges in a way that better supports the institutional mission and adaptation to change.

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$50

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

The Architecture of Belonging: Informing Planning Through Social Research

A sense of belonging is critical for student wellbeing, engagement, and academic success.
Abstract: A sense of belonging is critical for student wellbeing, engagement, and academic success. Social research at Marquette University illuminates how students from different identity groups perceive campus places and informs campus planning priorities. Guided by social research and inclusive placemaking, this session highlights strategies, frameworks, and implications for fostering belonging in diverse campus environments. We'll explore participatory mapping and other tactics for assessing campus belonging from a physical place perspective as well as proposing research-informed changes for future policy, operational, and design interventions.

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Non-Member Price:
$50