Learning Resources

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.

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: 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: This session will demonstrate how to adapt a large existing campus to decarbonized central systems, including cost considerations, performance evaluation, resilience concerns, and equity factors. To achieve the University of California, Santa Barbara's (UCSB) climate goals, we developed a clean energy master plan that goes beyond a conventional utility plan to prioritize equity and environmental justice to sustain campus ecosystems and ensure student wellbeing. Implementing decarbonization plans can be disruptive, but we'll share how you can achieve successful buy-in and engagement, including uplifting students as interns on the project team and key contributors in the process.

Abstract: Buildings contribute over a third of global carbon emissions and are a key focus for decarbonization. As legislation phases out natural gas and enforces stricter efficiencies, campuses must adapt to the demands of all-electric building design. In this session, experts from the University of California (UC) will cover strategies, insights, and costs of decarbonization with the goal of building a more sustainable and healthy future. Join us to gain effective, practical tools and project strategies for campus decarbonization as well as discover how electrification impacts utilities and requires cross-disciplinary teamwork.

Abstract: Higher education must lead by example to promote widespread adoption of carbon sequestering mass timber while also delivering an enriched student experience. This session will use two leading-edge examples to discuss the state of mass timber, its significant benefits, challenges, mitigations, and integrated delivery. Through lessons learned from our integrated planning processes, we'll show you how to lead, advocate for, and manage mass timber and advanced sustainability efforts to deliver a healthy, sustainable carbon neutral campus environment.

Abstract: Learn about the University of Louisville’s (UofL) journey toward carbon neutrality, navigating challenges such as aging infrastructure, substantial deferred maintenance, dependence on city utilities, and financial constraints. UofL’s Planning, Design, and Construction Office strategically used campus planning efforts to collect data, analyze the built environment, and foster robust stakeholder engagement with the campus community and city agencies. This approach raises carbon neutrality awareness, aligns goals, and establishes a financially viable pathway to success—all to position UofL to achieve a 60 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and attain full carbon neutrality by 2050.

Abstract: Campus decarbonization requires flexible and adaptable approaches at all scales. Determining the appropriate mix of action plans helps campuses prepare for an increasing number of existing building performance and carbon reduction policies. The University of Minnesota's (U of M) multi-campus system, one of the largest in the U.S., is planning and taking actions to become net zero. This unconventional approach addresses decarbonization across regional climates, campus-systems, and building scales. In this session, we'll provide transferrable decarbonization planning processes, best practices, and lessons learned from actions across geographical regions, diverse campus-wide energy systems, and existing facilities net zero strategies.