From 2007 to 2016, higher ed campuses grew by more than 10 percent in building space, outpacing the 8 percent growth in enrollment during the same period, according to the most recent "State of Facilities in Higher Education" report from Sightlines. It is the fourth consecutive year of construction outpacing enrollment growth. Much of this […]
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 […]
When Texas Tech University needed to replace the energy-inefficient windows of its multistory Weymouth Hall student residence last summer, time was indeed of the essence. Needing to ensure the building's vacancy during the demolition and installation process, you could say the university had a narrow window of opportunity. But thanks to the ezIQC® construction procurement […]
California State University is the largest four-year public university system in the United States. With 23 campuses and eight off-campus centers, it serves over 479,000 students each year. Like other higher education institutions, most of CSU's renovation, alteration and construction projects are concentrated during specific times of year. With campuses spread across the state, access […]
While most states faced with continuing budget shortfalls have put a cap on new faculty hires, Florida is taking a different approach. Throughout the state, colleges and universities are hiring faculty to accommodate growing high-demand fields like health and engineering—and, in some cases, to boost their prestige. New hires are expected at the University of Florida, […]
Their form and function may vary, but there's one trait nearly every president's residence has in common: It's much more than just a home. "The residence is a tool," says Dennis Barden, a senior partner at executive search firm Witt/Kieffer. Colleges prefer to keep their leaders on or near campus "and essentially on call 24/7," […]
Nestled in the shadows of the iconic Flatirons mountain range, CU Boulder is home to 35,000 students, nearly 7,000 of whom reside on campus. The new Village Center offers those students multiple dining options, study and collaboration spaces, conference amenities, and a health clinic. CHALLENGE: CU Boulder was founded in 1876, and more than half […]
Higher education institutions are placing greater emphasis than ever on the environmental impact of their buildings, with many seeing sustainability as being as demonstrative of their thought leadership as their academic programs. However, few of these institutions are consistent in managing the environmental impacts of their buildings across different phases of the buildings' life cycles—from […]
University of Dayton Arena University of Dayton (Ohio) A nearly 50-year-old basketball arena is undergoing $72 million in renovations. When completed in fall 2019, the state-of-the-art venue will seat 13,450 and feature geothermal mechanical systems, club and terrace seating, upgraded concession stands, an upper-level concourse, and improved exterior lighting and landscaping. Construction is scheduled for […]
While executing an eight-building, $157 million construction and renovation project in 2014, officials at Del Mar College in Texas forgot one critical player: the tech expert. Information technology administrators weren't brought on board until just before the design was finalized. At that point, they had to scramble to integrate technology into a range of facilities—from […]