In today’s higher education landscape, the rise of hybrid learning has led to a decreased demand for traditional brick-and-mortar classrooms. However, there is still a demand for flexible, multipurpose spaces. In an article from The Society for College and University Planning, McMillan Pazdan Smith architects Tom Savory, FAIA, and Minta Ferguson, AIA, reveal a data-driven process for making higher education campus master planning decisions.
Newberry College’s Strategic Initiative
As several academic programs grew, Newberry College took a fresh look at how its campus spaces were being used. Working with McMillan Pazdan Smith, the college conducted a full review of its space needs to find new ways to use existing buildings.
The project was spearheaded by the college’s vice president of academic affairs. He participated in collecting and analyzing data on seat fill rates, classroom and course scheduling, and net assignable square feet (NASF). The data revealed how much space the college currently needs for classes and how much it will need in the future.
Data Collection
To align the campus development with the needs and expectations of its community, Newberry College used online surveys to capture feedback from a broad range of stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni. This process resulted in three key takeaways:
- Evidence:
By collecting and reviewing real-world data, the college improved its campus master plan. Feedback:
The use of surveys and focus groups guaranteed that stakeholder feedback was integral to the planning process.- Sequencing:
A prioritized list of campus updates was prepared, enabling decision-makers to swiftly address the most pressing needs.
Data analytics and a review of facility conditions contributed to the initiative’s success. These efforts facilitated better space utilization. They also fostered an adaptable campus environment.
Finding the Maximum Value in Higher Education Campus Master Planning
Institutions like Newberry College recognize the importance of maximizing the value of their existing buildings. By deferring unnecessary costs and prioritizing smart renovations and upgrades, the college is setting a new standard for how educational institutions can adapt to the changing needs of their students and staff.
For a detailed exploration of this approach to higher education master planning, we invite you to read the full article on SCUP’s website, Campus Planning for Higher Education: https://www.scup.org/resource/diving-into-data-space-utilization-analysis.
