Learning Resources

Abstract: Breastfeeding has well-known health, economic and social benefits. As mothers continue to work, play, learn, travel and live their lives in all environments, the need for breastfeeding spaces continues to expand. However, a key detriment to engaging in safe and private breastfeeding is the lack of dedicated lactation space. While there have been regulatory strides to support nursing mothers, businesses and employers are not required to create a permanent and dedicated space for breastfeeding mothers. Little research has examined the essential building specifications of these spaces.

Airports are one of many environments that have been overlooked for requiring a lactation space. A total of 130 US airports, categorized by hub size and region, were analyzed for the following features: website source, photos, amenities description, and location/access. Findings conclude that while many airports are addressing the issue of mothers and breastfeeding, more could be done to provide quality accommodations.

Abstract: There is a growing interest in examining the relationship between active learning spaces and development of soft skills. The overall goal of this research was to evaluate the gains, if any, in the collaboration skill development of students who experienced part of their undergraduate or graduate learning within active learning spaces at Thomas Jefferson University, and to attempt to pinpoint the factors contributing to that.

To meet the goal, the researcher designed a study to assess perceived impact of use of active learning spaces, targeting alumni. Although many such studies rely on reflections from current students during or shortly after their use of learning spaces, the unique contribution of this research is that it gathered impact perceptions of learning spaces from persons after they experienced collaborative work activities in their career settings beyond academia.

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: Long-range master plans make assumptions about the future, but historic data is actually a more reliable predictor. A master plan built on data, not assumptions, is also easier to adapt to changes. We will discuss a computational metrics mobile app and how Miami University uses it for its master plan. With practical tools and processes in hand, you will be able to prioritize available data, make more informed planning decisions, and align your team before executing future planning priorities on your campus.

Abstract: If a facilities master plan cannot keep up with rapid change, it becomes just another big book on the shelf. The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor’s (UM) College of Engineering did away with a static master plan in favor of a one that is data-driven and reflects the latest trends in engineering education. In this session, you will learn how UM created this responsive master plan that acts more as an interactive set of tools than a static document.