Learning Resources

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: 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: 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: Climate justice seeks a more equal distribution of energy benefits and burdens within our communities. As universities decarbonize, they can advance climate justice by adopting solutions that reduce impacts and align with both university and community priorities. Decarbonization is a win-win for campuses, ending the carbon-producing combustion of fossil fuels linked to climate change while reducing operating costs. This session will demonstrate how the decarbonization process can be mutually beneficial for surrounding communities. Come learn how to incorporate community priorities into campus decarbonization efforts through shared-resource opportunities, a climate justice action plan, and resiliency to extreme weather and other events.

Abstract: As security remains of paramount concern for campus communities, how should institutions thoughtfully engage the urban fabric? Urban campuses are constrained by their verticality and publicly-permeable urban edges. This session will delve into a 2023 SCUP Fellows report with additional updated analysis of campus responses and overreach to protests this past year. In-depth analysis of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles through a lens of student development theory will provide you with insight into student wellbeing and sense of security through campus 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: 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: Students and campus staff face increasing isolation and mental health challenges. To plan and design meaningful spaces of belonging, we must ask the right questions, use specific observation methods, and apply relevant research. We'll share an update on the current state of mental health and wellbeing, institutional perspectives, challenges to student success, and methods for applying human-centered research in the creation of campus spaces for community and engagement. Join us for practical tools that will help you plan, program, and design learning environments that address today's pressing challenges with mental health and social connection.

Abstract: The University of California system recently incorporated wellbeing and diversity goals in its sustainability practices policy. Campuses must start planning how they will proactively move these goals forward. This session will provide a successful example of piloting new metrics?Äîbased upon the WELL Building Standard?Äîin university capital projects to ensure and maintain occupants' good health and wellbeing through cross-campus integration. Join us to explore opportunities for applying the WELL rating system's ten concepts that elevate wellbeing and physical environment health impacts on your campus.

Abstract: The growth of the University of Calgary's Veterinary Medicine program has been a catalyst for several initiatives on campus, including the development of a long range plan, creation of an inclusive program, and development of micro degrees. The process of engagement, programming, and design at Vet Med was critical for understanding the urgent needs of the profession and students while being mindful and respectful of the history of place and the indigenous community. This session show how connecting the history of place at a campus master planning and programming level fosters opportunities, success, health, and wellbeing for each student.