Learning Resources

Abstract: Together with Morehouse and Spelman Colleges (both also awarded Campus Heritage grants), Clark Atlanta is part of the Atlanta University Center (AUC), the largest consortium of historically Black institutions in the US. Clark Atlanta was formed in 1988 with the merger of Atlanta University, chartered in 1867, and Clark College, founded in 1877. Despite the historic significance of the buildings on the campus, little was known about aspects of their original appearance or previous alterations. Clark Atlanta conducted archival research to document its historic resources, examine overall building conditions, and develop treatment guidelines.

Abstract:

A historically Black private college chartered in 1930, Dillard University occupies a unified, axially designed campus in the Beaux Arts tradition. The ten white brick buildings that comprise the historic campus surround a large open quadrangle delineated by two long rows of live oak trees, the Avenue of the Oaks. A grant will allow the university to assemble detailed documentation on their historic buildings and landscape, which will serve as the basis for future rehabilitation projects.

Abstract: Spelman College, founded in 1881, is renowned for its long history of providing quality education for African American women to prepare them for leadership roles. The college campus consists of more than thirty-two acres and twenty-five buildings on the west side of Atlanta. Spelman's campus houses eleven buildings completed before 1927, several of which are included in the National Register of Historic Places designation Spelman shares with neighboring colleges. It is one of five institutions that make up the Atlanta University Center (AUC), the largest consortium of higher educational facilities for Black students in the world with a total population of 16,000 students. The Campus Heritage grant allowed Spelman to complete a campus preservation plan and, ultimately, to apply for National Historic Landmark Status.

Abstract: All colleges and universities have existing building stock that they need to repurpose in order to fit contemporary campus paradigms. Beginning with the project's conception and taking you through its planning, design, and construction, we will outline our investigation, historic research, and analysis of Harvard University's Stirling-designed postmodern museum to inform its transformation into a vibrant academic building housing a variety of programs. In this session, we'll establish a strategic and creative framework for adaptive reuse that you can use to reposition historic and architecturally-significant buildings on your campus.

Abstract: How are you addressing your campus’ historic facilities with so many competing needs for limited resources? This webinar will outline strategies for the management of historic properties on college and university campuses, with guidelines, standards, and best practices to address a wide range of concerns dealing with historic facilities.

Preservation of your historic facilities can also be an important part of your long-term plan for a sustainable future for your campus and the planet. Upkeep, renovation, and repurposing of existing structures are seen by many as an essential part of flattening the carbon curve. We will consider examples of successful efforts to integrate sustainability, preservation, and practical re-use of older facilities.

Abstract: Originally intended in the late 19th century as a suburban campus for New York University, the Bronx Community College of The City University of New York campus is unique in that it has had three libraries designed and built in the 19th, 20th, and the 21st centuries by leading architects: Gould Memorial Library, a neo-classical gem designed by Stanford White; Meister Hall, a mid-century modern library designed by Marcel Breuer; and North Hall, a thoroughly 21st century library designed by Robert A. M. Stern Architects.

Libraries as repositories of knowledge have evolved over the centuries. Bronx Community College represents a case study of how libraries can (or cannot) adapt to changing times, needs, and function. Join us as we discuss the merits of each library and how their design exemplifies their evolving mission of making information more accessible over time.

Abstract: Norwich University has fundamentally transformed its academic core, updating over 45% of its teaching space on campus. Stitched together by newly conceived landscape solutions, three renovations and one new building have reinvigorated central campus. All campuses face aging core academic facilities, often housed in important historic buildings. Supporting current program needs without compromising original intent requires thoughtful and creative approaches to revitalizing these structures. Come learn how Norwich reimagined its central campus for contemporary research, teaching, and learning without compromising the integrity of its historic structures.

Abstract: Aged buildings, streets, alleys, back lots, a dense neighborhood, and historic landmarks—can these puzzle pieces add up to campus opportunities? The University of Chicago conceived an unexpected and dynamic new campus destination, gaining 150,500 sq. ft. of academic space and creating a new landscape with 36,000 sq. ft. of new open space and 60 new trees. Neighbors, aldermen, administration, and faculty shaped a campus planning process applicable to large and small colleges and universities, developed from creative and sustainable planning principles.