Learning Resources

Abstract: In an effort to address ambitious campus sustainability goals, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) creatively balanced physical campus growth and renewal with a policy prohibiting new square footage. The results continue to exceed expectations. The master planning process can help the university achieve sustainability in the face of shrinking resources, all while developing a physical environment that fosters student learning and wellbeing. We will share our insights on leveraging the planning process to spur institutional change in financial, procurement, and planning matters.

Abstract: Swarthmore College’s leadership shares insight into how the college’s newest addition, Maxine Frank Singer ‘72 Hall, decided to create a collaborative environment by combining three academic departments—Biology, Engineering, and Psychology. Each floor combines functional areas for teaching, research, and learning. The unique common space, both indoor and out in the adjacent gardens will foster connections with nearby academic programs and enrich the mission of The Scott Arboretum.

Abstract: This session will share a portfolio-based approach to space management as an institutional, governance-based framework for aligning space—its allocation and use—to meet priorities and program needs. You will learn how we aligned space governance with our institution's organizational hierarchy through defined portfolios, allowing central planning units to use a streamlined process and adaptive planning tools to arrive at an unbiased, data-driven perspective.

Abstract: It has often been said that culture eats strategy for breakfast. While that can often be true, it does not have to be that way. Culture and strategy can be close companions and highly complementary when positioned as mutually reinforcing parts of the planning process. When strategy is developed with an appreciation for cultural strengths, it has a better chance to move beyond words on a screen or on paper. At the same time, organizational strategy can strengthen and reinforce an improved organizational culture. Georgia Tech is using a technique called appreciative inquiry to build a positive, productive culture through the strategy development and implementation process. This approach reinforces the positive elements of the current culture while clearly defining the cultural attributes needed for success in the future. This discussion will explore ways to draw out the best in organizational culture to create an effective strategy while also using strategy to steer culture in a positive direction.

Abstract: Technical and community college education must adapt to the changing workforce to ensure success for the students, communities, and states they serve, and their physical campuses need to support this adaptation. We will explore the planning, design, and stakeholder collaboration behind Lanier Technical College's new, six-building, 95-acre campus designed to house 50 unique workforce development programs. We will also share consensus building and expectation management techniques we employed to build buy-in with diverse stakeholders.

Abstract: This session will illustrate how industry-academic partnerships have led to the creation of cutting-edge, career-focused education that reimagines vocational training through a new, didactic construction sciences facility. With a skilled labor shortage in the construction industry, this program hopes to close that gap while creating an attractive, career-focused educational alternative to the traditional four-year college education. Beginning in middle and high schools and continuing through the workplace, developing new partnerships along the education continuum helps to reimagine workforce education and facilities to inspire the next generation of construction industry leaders.

Abstract: Higher education disruption takes many forms and its origins can range from local to international. Integrated planning is something all institutions need to confront disruption, but few institutions understand or practice. This session will discuss sources of disruption and how integrated planning can help institutions prepare for all different types as well as acculturate change conversation on campus. We will work through several exercises that will show you how to develop two to three competencies to address common challenges, allowing you to apply, tailor, and communicate a robust integrated planning value proposition at your institution.

Abstract: With crowded research facilities, limited resources, and a strong need for innovative interdisciplinary teaching space, many institutions feel stuck. Purdue University College of Science's went from stymied to STEM lab in just four years through data-focused master planning and an accelerated design process. We will share lessons learned from Purdue University's college master plan and STEM building that you can use to clarify thinking, focus need, build a case for a new project, and set the stage for future growth.

Abstract: Interdisciplinary learning thrives on a foundation of cross-departmental strength. Designing facilities that accommodate a variety of teaching modalities and allow different disciplines to share resources can have a positive impact on future learning, teaching, and research. The session examines how North Carolina A&T State University (NCA&T) created an interdisciplinary engineering research and innovation facility centered around maker and fabrication spaces. You will learn about our integrated project team approach, how we secured buy-in from stakeholders, and how we translated functional space needs into innovative places.