When it comes to space utilization, what is one aspect that higher ed institutions may not necessarily be thinking about but should consider?
“Current trends in wellness combined with the space efficiencies of shared spaces over private offices and labs should lead to common facilities that optimize access to daylight, fresh air and connection to the outside. The enhanced experience of these healthier spaces will offset any perceived benefits of private rooms that tax space utilization rates.”
—BLT Architects Principal Kevin Aires, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Link to main story: How colleges manage inner space
“American colleges and universities have accumulated an estimated $250 billion in collective real estate assets, so forward-thinking campuses are now relying on software that collects data on the use of campus space. Knowing the specific use rates of properties on campus enables administrators to make smart decisions such as when to pursue new construction, the renovation or repair of existing buildings. Administrators can even find ways to create revenue opportunities from existing space.”
—Tyson Smith, of EMS Software
“On many campuses, thousands of PO boxes can be replaced with mail-pickup kiosks. These kiosks are better suited to modern campus mail’s heavy skew toward packages over flat mail. Students can present their ID and quickly ship or pick up mail, slashing wait times while reclaiming real estate.”
—Renaud Rodrigue, partner executive, Ricoh USA, Inc
“We work with colleges and industries to create new school to work models, and one criteria that keeps coming up is, ‘Meet students where they are.’ Seventy-five percent of students are working, which often causes them to ‘stop-out.’ We’d like to prototype ‘WeWork meets the student union’ with a willing partner. We already see a few companies willing to offer gig economy jobs and training onsite.”
—Kathleen deLaski, Founder and President of Education Design Lab
Ray Bendici is deputy editor of UB.
