Learning Resources

Abstract: Lane Community College’s (LCC) unique commitment to uphold principles articulated in their Community Benefits Agreement allowed for an innovative planning and design process that centered on the core needs of its most marginalized community members. We’ll detail how LCC’s active dedication to providing community benefit via bond dollars transformed its Health Professions Building into a vital campus centerpiece, enhancing safety, accessibility, and workforce and career training. This session will raise awareness around creating a community-centered process to discover design solutions that not only solve campus programmatic and functional issues but achieve design excellence.

Abstract: As trade schools gain national recognition for their affordability and career-centric focus, Raleigh’s Wake Technical Community College (WTCC) has set a new standard for strategic facilities design by capitalizing on community, industry, and government partnerships. This session will show how WTCC is producing the next generation of innovative automotive repair technicians and leaders through an immersive program that aligns industry partnerships, high-tech education, employment opportunities, and local economic development goals. Discover how WTCC’s new automotive laboratory consolidates diverse programs into one building with agile, collaborative spaces, preparing students for emerging technologies in rapidly changing industries.

Abstract: Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) has transformed its college model to address crucial issues such as demographic changes, meeting the needs of non-traditional students, and empowering underserved populations. To support and provide better access to a wider range of constituents, PGCC is reimagining their campus to elevate the community college experience while exploring the creation of two new full-service campuses. Come learn how the new PGCC campus model is meeting short and long-term needs that will serve broader populations, support evolving academic programs and workforce needs, and reduce educational inequities in the college system.

Abstract: Rapidly changing users and technology paired with long project timelines requires institutions to think ahead and implement innovative strategies for creating new, high-end engineering facilities. Campus facilities must be nimble and ready to support multiple types of students. At the forefront of the AI technology revolution, George Mason University is undertaking large construction projects to serve a spectrum of undergraduate, masters, and doctoral students and create ecosystems of academic, industry, government, and community users. We’ll share planning strategies for AI technology learning spaces, practical solutions for designing future-focused facilities, and ways of promoting collaboration and connection across multiple communities.

Abstract: STEM facilities are quickly catching up to unions as the heart of student life on campus. To better support student recruitment, retention, and success, STEM facilities must provide a mashup of social and academic space that students need for sparking connections, partnerships, and friendships. We'll explore this growing trend and introduce strategies for making STEM facilities hubs for campus life. Join us to gain a solid understanding of the trends shaping the future of STEM facilities, including a look inside the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's future-forward chemistry building.

Abstract: The Washkewicz College of Engineering added over 100,000 GSF (gross square feet) to the existing 200,000 GSF building, completed in 2018. The building has become an icon for the college with its modern lab and teaching spaces, and serves as campus entrance marker in downtown Cleveland.

Abstract: The global challenge of climate change demands new paradigms of leadership that prioritize interdisciplinary solutions and the voices of marginalized communities. Universities are uniquely situated to lead the way. We will explore ways that a design thinking process can build a visible culture of sustainability at the hyper-local campus scale and drive climate action across academics, governance, and operations. Aligning climate action with existing priorities creates synergies, especially where stakeholders may already be stretched thin. Learn how a design thinking approach facilitates this type of cross-disciplinary work.

Abstract: Campus planners are tasked with creating 21st century learning environments, moving towards carbon neutrality, and repairing buildings that are near the end of their useful lives. Transformative reuse addresses these issues. With creative design and programming, under-utilized campus buildings from all eras can be transformed into sustainable, thriving, innovative learning environments that align with current and future needs. We'll share recent examples of existing buildings that were transformed for new use and discuss the connection between carbon and building reuse.

Abstract: Environmental sustainability is more than a buzz word; it is a responsibility. Energy master planning is essential for campuses that wish to be leaders in sustainability and global citizenship. Smith College's plan features unique elements focused on electrification of the campus thermal infrastructure. This session will provide you with tools to engage in meaningful campus discussion about implementing a transition away from fossil fuels for heating and cooling and achieving net zero carbon emissions.

Abstract: As industry vacates suburbia, universities can leverage vacated office and work buildings into usable, revenue-generating educational facilities. We will discuss how Sacred Heart University acquired the GE world headquarters facility, transforming it to create a modern, nationally branded campus. You will learn what to look for in capital investments, and the opportunities and challenges of converting office space to learning and social environments that will recruit and retain students.