Learning Resources

Abstract: Office space makes up about a third of all non-residential space on campuses. Post-COVID, many institutional offices struggle with providing enough office space while simultaneously creating a sense of workplace vibrancy due to the rise in remote and hybrid employees. Promoting change in higher education is tough—is it possible to fulfill the needs of all institutional offices through one style of workplace or is it necessary to consider unique needs of offices and individual employees? Join us to explore two institutional workplace case studies and apply the lessons learned on your campus.

Abstract: As pedagogy and market demand shift toward experiential and applied learning, this session will demonstrate practical methods for evaluating and repurposing existing space and the benefits of optimizing underperforming facilities. University of Wisconsin (UW)-Stout, Wisconsin's Polytechnic, has a tradition of career-focused learning. Through data-informed planning, the university is repositioning its campus through strategic space reduction, disciplinary cluster reorganization, and industry-focused labs. Come learn how to focus on your institutions' unique strengths in the market by applying Building Information Modeling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis, and utilization metrics to inform realignment of space.

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.

Abstract: Building consensus is challenging, but planners who are empowered by knowledge of their campus's space can make informed decisions on how to plan for its most efficient usage. Through an integrated, inclusive, and tactile study of space, we'll share how diverse groups can help build a new baseline of knowledge. Come learn how to develop a grassroots approach on your campus by applying a space occupancy and utilization study that uses actual data and analytical graphics to aid in decision making and strategic planning on a small and large scale.

Abstract: Buildings are a major source of carbon emissions. Campuses need solutions for meeting rigorous energy goals while capturing programmatic needs, improving occupant health and wellness, and meeting bottom-line financial requirements. What are the key steps in planning and delivering a fully-electric, highly-sustainable student residence, dining, and services building? Using the Harmony Commons at the University of Toronto-Scarborough (UTSC) as a case study, we'll share planning perspectives from administrative, financial, design, and construction standpoints. This session will raise awareness of available solutions for planning and building an all-electric building and provide a pathway for success through integrated planning.

Abstract: In order to reimagine and capitalize on the potential of its campus gateway, The Ohio State University (OSU) employed specific planning and development processes to achieve successful outcomes. A decade of public-private planning, land acquisition, rezoning, infrastructure upgrades, preservation, and academic and mixed-use development has transformed OSU's High Street entrance into an active and economically-viable campus gateway district. In this session we'll show you how to think beyond campus boundaries and traditional planning methods to transform town and gown interfaces.

Abstract: How can institutions measure the efficiency of campus space use and communicate to stakeholders to create buy-in and lead to better use of facilities and resources? University of Central Florida (UCF) conducted a comprehensive space utilization analysis and took a bold stance on making the best use of existing space to implement institutional priorities. This session will delve into UCF's steady enrollment, growing research, underutilized space, and evolving work policies. Come learn how to develop integrated data and metrics to measure teaching, office, and research space utilization, and how the process and navigating campus politics lead to successful outcomes.

Abstract: Community colleges are facing enrollment declines and demographic shifts. To overcome these challenges, Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) and Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) are implementing innovative initiatives, partnerships, and projects that address declining enrollments and surplus space through integrated planning. In this session, we'll show how urban community colleges are working to attract and retain students while using spatial re-organization to deal with surplus space and leveraging vacant and aging facilities for student services and community spaces.

Abstract: The cost of building and operating research space continues to increase alongside the profile of these spaces on campus. Space management practices can help to enhance institutional reputation by growing research on a more affordable and sustainable basis. This session will examine Arizona State University's (ASU) process of managing research space in new and existing buildings, the research funding and facilities ecosystem, common metrics for productivity, and justifications for space management. We'll provide data-driven insight into ASU's implementation, ideas for translating the process to your institution, and justification for implementing our research space management and optimization practices.

Abstract: Many institutions are rethinking the presence of vehicles on campus and facing a need for more sustainable and multi-purpose circulation spaces. Once a traditional city street running through the University of Oregon campus, this session will examine Thirteenth Avenue's re-imagining as a multi-modal open space that supports student life. This is a transformative concept grounded in rigorous analysis and integrated planning. We'll encourage you to think critically about existing campus corridors, renew circulation systems and residual open spaces to support student life, and inform design approaches to your unique campus development challenges.