Learning Resources

Abstract: “SMART” built environments usually refer to buildings with embedded technologies that allow them to run as efficiently as possible. Yet for research institutions, that definition should be expanded beyond efficiency to include metrics that are used to quantify research productivity and accomplishments. The expected useful life of the building and individual labs, research dollars generated per square foot, intellectual property generated, and successful recruitment and retainment of researchers are but a few bottom line-oriented measures that colleges and universities use. By embracing the business side of higher education, architects can create even smarter built environments.

In this presentation, we discuss how to identify and select appropriate metrics for institutions that are equally focused on education and research. What objective and subjective measures can be considered? Are these metrics applicable in our new (hopefully) post-COVID reality? How are institutions reallocating space in this new reality? How do we redefine the future of “smart” higher education research facilities?

Abstract: While adopted as a safer near-term solution, outdoor learning environments now seem likely to play a larger role in long-term planning. Schools will now use lessons learned during the pandemic to think more critically about outdoor campus space as an integral component of classroom education and to support student wellbeing. Before the Fall 2020 semester, the Siebel Center for Design at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign partnered with architects and engineers to lead a virtual design charrette focused on extending the life of outdoor campus spaces as learning environments. They also reached out to schools around the country to learn about their recent experiences with these spaces.

Abstract: Over the past year, the hospitality teams at Yale University and the University of Connecticut (UConn) have had to rethink their dining operations, shifting to a transactional approach to continue supporting student wellbeing. The two universities faced very different challenges: UConn, as one of the country's largest self-operated food service programs, focused on maintaining diverse options; Yale, as a transformational organization, committed to table gatherings and healthy, locally-sourced food. This session will explore how these programs have adapted to the current crisis and what their experiences teach us about the future of campus food service.

Abstract: The global COVID-19 pandemic struck a hard blow to many countries, and global institutions suddenly had to change operations as well as how their students learned, socialized, and lived on campus. After a full year of shutdowns, virtual learning, and constant adaption, we will discuss how University College London and the University of Dublin responded to government mandates and how the crisis has shaped living and working arrangements. Come join a university administrator and an academic researcher, both of whom focus their work on the built environment, for a lively discussion on pre- and post-COVID perspectives on student residential housing and academic research space and how the pandemic has challenged their thinking.

Abstract: Establishing capital projects is typically a long-term effort with changes occurring over months. In this session, we'll share how Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) applies a standard process to address its unique capital needs and withstand the test of time. CSCU maintains its 10-year capital plan in a dynamic environment to remain relevant and resilient for allocating resources equitably between its sixteen campuses with optimal effect. Come learn how a mission-driven, evidence-based capital planning approach responds to changing demographics and financial conditions while addressing specific facility and infrastructure needs in a wide variety of campus settings.

Abstract: Urban campuses are under stress, but in this session we'll share planning and design approaches to help urban institutions thrive as well as navigate strategic priorities, partnerships, programming changes, facilities, and real estate strategies. We'll highlight approaches and lessons learned from two New York City institutions during the pandemic, including creatively retrofitting their campus facilities amidst a crisis period of declining revenue and enrollments. Join us to learn new physical, academic, financial, and operational strategies that can reshape your campus while ensuring its long-term success.

Abstract: Campus spaces and what they offer play a vital role in student success. By making organizational and operational changes, these spaces can better respond to transformational shifts in higher education. In order to build long-term value and agility in physical campus space, we must connect academia with industry, teaching with research, student affairs with academic affairs, online with on-campus experiences, and capital with operational planning. In this session, you'll learn how to combine digital and physical environments, promote diversity and inclusion, and implement flexibility within campus spaces to prepare your institution for a more blended world.

Abstract: Higher education will shape its future through its response to this critical moment: an unprecedented pandemic; rapidly-accelerating climate change; a mobile technology-enabled society; and critical issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As new values, core issues, and questions continue to emerge, institutions must face these challenges by weighing different impacts and shifting priorities. A panel of three institutions and a learning technologist will offer their diverse perspectives on these issues and how they're influencing the physical and virtual campus environment. Come join the dialogue and adopt an inquiry-based mindset to proactively plan for a more agile and resilient future campus.

Abstract: It isn't enough that institutions require all-electric campus buildings that rely on renewable energy—they must also be low load and low energy consumption. Individual cities, states, and utility incentive programs are going beyond carbon neutral standards to embrace energy consumption limits. This session will present these new strategies as models and options for campus building energy standards that address a variety of university sustainability goals. Come learn how your institution can avoid re-inventing the wheel when defining truly impactful campus guidelines by using these methodologies to limit energy consumption and peak demand.

Abstract: Isttaniokaksini—the Blackfoot name bestowed on the new Science Commons for transdisciplinary science at the University of Lethbridge—means deep knowledge and awareness growing out of the unknown. The new 32,600 SM collaborative science facility is sited in the iconic coulee landscape adjacent to University Hall, one of noted Canadian architect Arthur Erickson’s most iconic works. The architecture of Isttaniokaksini / Science Commons realizes the vision to create the most advanced science building in Canada and an incubator for transdisciplinary discovery. Planned for many generations into the future, the design creates a highly sustainable, flexible, and supportive platform for discovering solutions to the challenges facing humanity, nature, and the universe.