Learning Resources

Abstract: King’s College, Cambridge required new postgraduate housing to support its growth plans. The design team collaborated closely with college stakeholders, including the prospective residents, to research all aspects of the proposals—brief, spaces, structure, and services—early in the process. That research provided a comparison of environmental methods that ranged from a regulatory baseline to a certified Passivhaus approach. The holistic “fabric-first” standard delivers highly efficient, low-energy buildings with high-quality construction and occupant comfort. The metrics fed into a cost-benefit analysis of capital cost vis-a-vis energy reduction to determine the long-term value of each approach.

Abstract: The reduction of campus carbon emissions requires large investments in infrastructure, which is challenged by the realities of budgetary pressures. However, climate action doesn't have to come at the expense of an institution's core mission. Thompson Rivers University is transforming their campus infrastructure for net-zero emissions and a healthier environment without expending capital or taking on debt. This session will cover a novel procurement model along with a pathway to net-zero emissions that you can replicate on your own campus, providing you with the tools you need to take climate action now.

Abstract: Nationwide rising crashes involving pedestrians impact the safety of your campus community. This session will cover applicable and scalable strategies Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is using to create a safer campus for pedestrians while exploring the unique challenges of pedestrian and driver safety on urban university and medical campuses. We'll share best practices from peers, a data-driven approach for cost-effective solutions, and a town and gown collaboration framework to help foster a culture of safety. Join us to begin developing a list of pedestrian safety measures and identify the necessary stakeholders for implementing these safety measures.

Abstract: When Princeton University completed its campus plan, it identified the location of a historic Tudor Revival building as an area for growth. As a solution, Princeton developed a plan that would maintain the street's character by relocating the historic building. This process represents a challenge that most institutions face in urban or residential settings where the character of institutional buildings becomes a part of the broader community's identity. Through Princeton's story and process you'll discover how multiple parties came together for meticulous planning, logistics, and engineering that made the move possible and gave way to the next generation of development.

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: 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: With campus space at a premium and industry investment on the rise, institutions are developing flexible research facilities beyond their core campus to accommodate evolving technology. The key to maximizing these spaces lies in integrated planning and design. This session is an exploration of the planning process behind Carnegie Mellon University's (CMU) new Robotics Innovation Center (CMU-RIC), an ambitious off-campus facility that includes aerial, aquatic, and outdoor robotics testing spaces. We'll investigate how a collaborative planning and design process aligned diverse stakeholder interests and identified core priorities in the development of a highly-adaptable research facility.

Abstract: This session will share the inclusive design behind the Agnes Reimagined project, a museum decolonization process with a focus on community engagement, decolonization, and sustainability. This project highlights a community-based design process that integrates Indigenous traditions, hospitality, and inclusivity. Through exploring our approach to inclusive design, engagement, decolonization, and sustainability, you will learn how to integrate indigenous perspectives and balance heritage preservation while creating a space of belonging that contributes to a healthy environment.

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.