Learning Resources

Abstract: Recently, campus planners have become more aware of historic preservation issues. This is due in part to the increasing number of buildings on many campuses that are reaching eligibility on the National Register of Historic Places. Campus expansion more often also means the need to deal cautiously with surrounding historic neighborhoods. A discussion of historic preservation, even when an insitution is in a financial crisis, can help avoid both public outcry and potential irreversible illegal actions. The effects of Modernism in the 1950s and expansion in the 1960s and early 1970s show the damage that can be done if preservation is not taken seriously. Many insitutions since then have made preservation a priority. The following framework is suggested as a way creating a preservation program: (1) "Survey": this "involves an inventory of potential historic properties owned or which may be aqcuired." (2) "Plan": a preservation guideline that "accommodates insitutional goals and assesses potential benefits/consequences." (3) "Nominate": prepare nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. (4) "Preserve": make conscious effort to maintain these elements. (5) "Repair and Rehab": keep historic properties in good condition and "guarantee future vitality as productive facilites." A balance must be found and "guarantee future vitality as productive facilites." A balance must also be found between preserving historic sites and allowing for growth. Finding this balance is the role of the planning professional. An awareness of the importance of these sites will prove to be in the best interest of the professional, the college, and historic preservation.

Abstract: Book Review: Mastering the Politics of Planning by Guy Benveniste, San Francisco; Jossey-Bass Publishers, 1989.

Abstract: Skillful management of an institution's physical assets is crucial to the institution's financial well-being. This publication provides executive managers and trustees with guidelines for long-term financial planning for plant renewal and adaption. It provides these strategic decision makers with a better understanding of the financial planning requirements necessary to protect the value of their institution's plant assets in relation to evolving institutional missions by giving them a clearer way to think about those assets. Readers are furnished with guidelines, examples of campus plans that incorporate them, and analytic tools.

A joint project of Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), The National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO), The Association of Physical Plant Administrators of Universities and Colleges (APPA), and Coopers and Lybrand.

Abstract: In the late 1980s, the University of California, Santa Cruz began a $1.5 million program to upgrade classroom quality. This was disturbing considering the campus was only 25 years old. The problem was neither architectural neglect nor budgetary deficits. Quality problems resulted from the attitude that classroom design was not an important element. Many design flaws occur from misunderstanding the factors that affect user need, such as the ability to see or hear (the reduction of ambient noise). Additionally, required surfaces and finishes are important. These include the sending end--front wall, side walls, and ceiling; side walls and rear wall; ceiling; and floor/seating. Finally, design for durability and functionality under actual use conditions consists of the following: the use of carpet for acoustically absorbent wall finish, installation of motorized blackboards and the projection screen, a seat width of 21 inches, and quiet table arms for seats. Colleges and universities must realize that "effective classroom design" elicits attention to detail and an understanding of functional objectives. Adherence to both can lead to effective classrooms.

Abstract: Book Review: Key Resources on Higher Education Governance, Management, and Leadership, by Marvin W. Peterson, Editor; LIsa A. Mets, Assistant Editor. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, Inc., Publishers, 1987.