Learning Resources

Abstract: Historic campus buildings are often perceived as a burden, but by integrating them into your campus planning, their continued reuse can help solve some of the specific challenges facing university planners today, specifically in the context of sustainability. There are numerous case studies that demonstrate the successful adaptive reuse of varied campus buildings as well as an undeniable body of evidence showing the benefits of such an approach in working toward carbon neutrality. As long-term stewards of their built environments, colleges and universities are uniquely positioned to realize enduring savings from investing in the energy performance of existing buildings.

Abstract: Detailed campus master plan documentation for the Texas A&M University’s RELLIS innovation campus, located 15 minutes from the main campus in College Station.

From the executive summary:
“The 2018 RELLIS Campus Master Plan is a planning effort that focuses on supporting The Texas A&M University System as a national leader in high-tech research, innovation, training, and technological development. Key aspects of this plan focus on supporting and guiding campus organization, buildout development, open space networks, facility programming, and improving social amenities located within the campus. Issues considered in this 20-year planning horizon anticipate enrollment growth, increased teaching and research demands, future transportation needs, sustainability, and economic growth. A campus-wide advisory committee included multiple stakeholders which helped shape the strategic goals that will guide the physical development of the campus during the life of the 2018 master plan. The changes presented in this plan are intended to transform the largely undeveloped 1,877 acres of land into a multi-institutional research, testing, and workforce development campus that directly benefits society at large. The 2020 update to this plan reflects additional study and progress on the campus as of December 31, 2019.”

Contents:

• Introduction (includes approach and timeline)
• Background
• The Vision
• Plan Elements
• Infrastructure Plan
• Guidelines
• Signage and Wayfinding
• Appendices

Abstract: The most effective master plans are those that reflect the myriad voices of the institution. We’re finding the engagement process is fast becoming as important a product of the plan as the plan itself. Engagement should be informative, inclusive, meaningful, and fun—and should be the product of an integrated process. Leveraging the University of California, Berkeley’s Campus Master Plan as a case study, this article provides a framework for developing custom engagement strategies, and highlights examples, lessons learned, and tips for optimizing meaningful participation.

Abstract: What if we looked at campus master planning from a wellness-first perspective? We'll discuss how centering student, faculty, and staff wellbeing can create a more engaging campus experience for all. From using wellness key performance indicators (KPIs) to designing for telehealth, minor shifts can make major changes in the health and wellbeing of the campus community.

Abstract: Institutions are expanding the purpose, process, and outcomes of campus master planning as a vehicle for shaping a resilient, agile, and equitable future in the wake of the pandemic. This session will detail how a comprehensive process, involving stakeholder engagement, facility assessment, analytics, financial scenarios, prioritization, and real estate optimization can position institutions for long-term success. We'll present a campus planning proof case that Columbia College Chicago conducted during the pandemic, illustrating an evolved approach with tools and methods you can use to optimally prepare your institution for an unknown future.

Abstract: Historic buildings often occupy prominent spots on campus and serve as touchstones for alumni, faculty, and current students. Institutions must work to keep them viable and efficient to ensure their usefulness and sustainability in the future. In this session, we'll detail a 15-year history of updating historic campus buildings to remain functional, effective, and compliant with campus-wide sustainability plans on Washington University's Danforth Campus. Come learn from our proven methods of evaluating, prioritizing, and implementing measures that modernize historic buildings for maximum efficiency and compliancy with campuswide sustainability goals.

Abstract: As educational methods in higher education evolve, space requirements also change. Institutions must explore meaningful ways to renovate existing assets in order to support modern educational needs. This session will discuss how Louisiana State University (LSU) employed adaptive reuse and revitalization to transform a historic and culturally-significant 1932 field house into a collaborative learning center for kinesiology and sociology programs. Join us to learn about the trials and triumphs of the major design interventions and renovations to LSU's culturally-iconic building.

Abstract: This session will showcase best practices for successfully planning and funding higher education facilities to train future workforces, serve the community, leverage curriculum flexibility, and ensure student success, accessibility, and equity. Wake Technical Community College made a bold decision to reorganize its capital improvement plan to address inequality in an underserved population by creating a new future-forward campus. Come find out how you can apply lessons learned and strategies from Wake Tech's inclusive master planning process to successfully respond to opportunities and challenges of diverse enrollment on your campus.

Abstract: Research campuses are an increasingly important and integral part of innovative research development in higher education. By generating the right type of campus environment, institutions can foster successful partnerships with private entities. The J.J. Pickle Research Campus Plan marks an operational shift for the University of Texas (UT) at Austin, exploring mixed-use development and an integrated research environment to leverage a real estate asset and advance the university's mission. Come learn from multiple case studies, including UT Austin, and discuss the impact of environment, research focus, and governance structure on both the academic and financial success of a research campus.

Abstract: While caring for historic campus facilities requires additional planning, capital, and maintenance, maintaining these physical resources creates opportunities to meet campus sustainability goals. This article will help your team create a checklist to determine decision-making priorities for maintaining your historic buildings.