Learning Resources

Abstract: Institutions are seeking to improve student experience to support recruitment and retention on campus, but making big impactful moves can be daunting in the midst of overwhelming deferred maintenance needs. Solving for a renewed focus on student wellbeing and resource-strapped environments, we'll share two case studies of transforming the campus experience through strategic investment in capital-constrained environments. This session will outline a path for converting the threats of deferred maintenance numbers into an opportunity to enhance the student experience on campus by providing a tool kit to guide institutions through the planning process.

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 Brandt Behavioral Health Treatment Center and Retreat of Rutgers University is the first of its kind. As a unique response to adolescent behavioral health challenges, Rutgers is developing a new clinical and research program along with a two-building on-campus residential and outpatient facility. Mental health challenges are rising among young people, and these issues require inventive and accessible solutions. This session will demonstrate how sustainable, biophilic building design can support an innovative, integrated approach to the mental health treatment of adolescents and young adults.

Abstract: Administrators at colleges and universities across the country face mounting concerns over enrollment rates, curricular rigor, and climbing real estate costs. These challenges are particularly daunting for liberal arts institutions, many of which have pivoted or are pivoting to STEM programs out of necessity. Cross-disciplinary colocation strategies can enhance hands-on learning opportunities while optimizing spatial and financial resources. This article explores the planning approach to forming mutually successful partnerships between dissimilar academic programs through mission-oriented cross-functional collaboration, including examples of tools and processes for data-informed decision-making.

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: 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: Campus science and tech buildings are crucial for research, hands-on learning, and development of a skilled STEM workforce. Institutions, and small colleges in particular, must leverage these campus resources to stay competitive while facing the impact of birth rate drops. This session will explore creative solutions for bringing state-of-the-art science and technology environments to your college campus in the race to recruit and prepare students for careers in a technology-driven society. Join us to learn how other mid-sized, regional colleges have solved the problem of creating consensus, space programming, and the institution's role in delivering successful, modern STEM learning environments.

Abstract: Traditional strategic planning can lead to a static plan that does little to inspire implementation or true change. This session will detail a process that promotes buy-in and engagement while providing structured frameworks to support implementation and assessment. Our framework provides support for a campus community to 'live' its institutional strategic plan through the strategic planning cycle (SPC) at the unit level, informing the realization of institutional goals and outcomes. We'll provide our tools and approaches for you to access and review, as well as the rationale for developing support for your own campus communities to 'live' their strategic plan.

Abstract: Despite growing interest among campuses in mass timber construction, there is a sea of conflicting information about the potential benefits and downsides of building with wood. For the first time, University of California (UC), Berkeley is using mass timber to construct a new undergraduate academic building. This session will explore the process for determining whether this project was a cost-effective strategy for achieving carbon reduction and resilience. Decision making has become incredibly nuanced, and while the understanding of global carbon emissions continues to evolve, we'll share the key opportunities a project team must consider in regards mass timber on campus.