Learning Resources

Abstract: Community collaboration hasn't always been a priority in design education. This session will showcase a program that leverages the public school system as a learning environment for professionals and graduate students in architecture to identify socioeconomic opportunities. The Architecture + Education Program provides institutions opportunities to work actively with the communities they serve, and raises awareness of design careers among public school kids to increase and diversify its talent pipeline. This unique program involves multiple generations, including design professionals alongside public school and university students and instructors. Join us to discover opportunities for innovative community programs in your own backyard.

Abstract: As an urban-engaged university, Buffalo State University's strategic commitment to diversity, inclusion, and access has strengthened and diversified student recruitment, raised retention rates, and built community within and beyond the campus. Buffalo State's reputation of providing quality education, access, equity, and engagement requires inclusive, multi-functional spaces that foster a sense of community and develop a welcoming and equity-minded culture for all students. This session will provide actionable design strategies for reimagining existing campus spaces as learning environments that can build community, foster a sense of belonging, and drive student success.

Abstract: Skilled trades education programs provide a viable and equitable option for students who choose not to pursue a four-year degree. Program expansion into high schools through career and technical education promotes these pathways even further for completion and success. This session will show how Howard Community College (HCC) is responding to labor shortages in skilled trades occupations by creating educational programs and partnerships to provide additional access to high-quality jobs that offer family-sustaining wages and benefits. Join us to discover new approaches to education and partnerships that address equity gaps in economic and professional opportunities in our communities.

Abstract: The Choosing by Advantage (CBA) Matrix is a powerful tool for decision-making in the design and construction industry, from the planning process through project completion, and it delivers efficiency through fewer changes. CBAs take all stakeholders into account when defining advantages, so campus planners can achieve quality, an on-time schedule, and cost savings at every stage. Via simulation, we'll demonstrate how you can apply CBAs across all phases of a project. By presenting and providing step-by-step, compelling visuals, our team will enable you to implement CBAs tactically and early in your next project.

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.

Abstract: The development of campus facilities, particularly research buildings, conflicts with the rise of decarbonization requirements to support a safe, healthy environment. We'll showcase a project that achieved balance by incorporating electric heating while enabling a campuswide transformation. Columbia University's sustainability plan aims for net-zero emissions and stands committed to responsible design and construction. The team behind the Vagelos Innovation Labs created a framework for the 2030 decarbonization plan, leading to New York City's first all-electric lab. Come learn how to navigate the visioning and execution of complex decarbonization projects, including the importance of an integrated approach from procurement through design.

Abstract: Community collaboration hasn't always been a priority in design education. This session will showcase a program that leverages the public school system as a learning environment for professionals and graduate students in architecture to identify socioeconomic opportunities. The Architecture + Education Program provides institutions opportunities to work actively with the communities they serve, and raises awareness of design careers among public school kids to increase and diversify its talent pipeline. This unique program involves multiple generations, including design professionals alongside public school and university students and instructors. Join us to discover opportunities for innovative community programs in your own backyard.

Abstract: Universities must decide what to do with their high-rise residence halls that don't meet modern standards for energy efficiency and student expectations. Renovation often proves to be the best solution for a variety of reasons. At Boston University (BU), what started as a building systems upgrade evolved into a major renovation, which elevated the student experience, social and emotional wellbeing, and campus decarbonization goals. Using BU's Warren Towers as a model of decision making, this session will help you work through the possibilities of a major renovation on your campus with the aim of meeting student wellbeing and decarbonization objectives.

Abstract: Regional economic growth is often central to an institution's mission, with co-benefits for learning and research. Effective, equitable industry and government partnerships can open student internship and job opportunities, translate research into community benefits and prosperity, build town-gown synergy, and draw more students, faculty, and resources. In this session, our panel will outline strategies for building effective industry and government partnerships as well as measuring, improving, and communicating results. We'll show you how to find and build partnerships that genuinely, equitably deepen economic impact and student opportunities; critically examine results; make changes to optimize impact; and demonstrate your 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.