One could say the design of higher education environments is important, after all, they will be around for 50+ years. We’re currently master-planning the renovations for several academic libraries originally constructed in the 1960’s. Most haven’t been renovated since. New buildings on campuses will, for all intents and purposes, forever transform the experience of those that attend and support the academic institution. The opportunity is one that should be carefully studied and developed. It is one we take very seriously.
As we prepare to plan libraries, science buildings and classrooms, the design process has typically been to quickly develop the “program of requirements” (many times not much more than a list of spaces and sizes) and jump right into design concepts. Designers listen to what the client wants and needs. Many times this comes from the faculty and administration levels, with some or little input from the students. 1-3 years later, when the project is complete, will it meet the needs of the students?
One could say the design of higher education environments is important, after all, they will be around for 50+ years. We’re currently master-planning the renovations for several academic libraries originally constructed in the 1960’s. Most haven’t been renovated since. New buildings on campuses will, for all intents and purposes, forever transform the experience of those that attend and support the academic institution. The opportunity is one that should be carefully studied and developed. It is one we take very seriously. 