Successful higher education construction and overall campus expansion starts before the project even begins and is fueled by intentional collaboration and purposeful master plans. Higher education campuses likely need to expand to accommodate not only additional students and technology but also changing expectations of students and their families. Long-term planning can help ensure campus buildings are sustainable and future-proof, ultimately setting the project up for success. 

Key Challenges in Expanding Higher Education Campuses

Higher education construction projects pose many challenges, especially when campuses will need to function while construction is in progress. Needs ranging from academic and residential functionality to sustainability and modernization must be met while the project is ongoing. Overall, communication and intentional planning for higher education construction allows for a proactive, rather than a reactive, approach  

Balancing Growth and Functionality:

Taking functionality into consideration with higher education construction projects will set the project up for future success and longevity. Not only does the building need to meet academic and residential needs, it likely needs to meet operational needs, too. You’ll need to take accessibility accommodations, fire safety, any additional safety codes, and zoning requirements into consideration, too.  

Budget Constraints and Funding:

While maintaining the original budget is ideal and preferred, putting a plan in place for any overages will help with budget disruptions. Constant communication helps keep expectations consistent and everyone involved on the same page. Depending on the building and type of project, there could be additional funding opportunities available. Another option could include a multi-phase approach, helping avoid excessive disruptions and keep the budget on track. 

Sustainability and Modernization:

Higher education construction projects are an undertaking, but they also allow the opportunity to incorporate eco-friendly updates and necessary modernization. This increases value for students, faculty, and staff by meeting and exceeding their expectations. In the long run, sustainability in any building will better support future growth as well as future costs associated with maintenance. 

Minimizing Disruption:

Maintaining campus operations is likely a requirement when completing higher education construction projects. Working outside of core classroom hours to complete large portions of the project could help minimize disruptions. If class is in session during the mornings in a specific building, it might be wise to plan to have construction progress continue in the evenings. It would also be beneficial to discuss potential temporary locations early on so both the construction team and client can plan and prepare. 

Long-Term Strategies for Campus Expansion

Prioritizing long-term campus expansion strategies ultimately lead to a smooth build. A master plan helps guide the project toward the overall goal, especially if there’s a phased approach. Keeping sustainability at the core of each aspect in the project contributes to long-term use. Additionally, working with the right construction team will contribute to keeping the budget and expectations aligned. 

Master Planning for the Future

Developing a master plan for higher education campuses allows those involved to take a proactive approach to growth and expansion. If the college or university is planning in advance for growth by developing a comprehensive master plan, it is able to make intentional decisions about sustainability while meeting long-term goals. Master planning also gives the flexibility to take a phased approach because the end goal is fixed in place. 

Leveraging Design-Build and Construction Management Expertise

Taking on a higher education construction project could require a lot of management and effort to keep it on track. Collaborating with a design-build and construction management team, like the team at Tonn and Blank Construction, opens up doors to a large network, higher efficiency, and cost control. Design-build and construction management teams have a vast network of trusted partners they can rely on to keep projects moving forward. Having multiple people with various fields of expertise will directly contribute to keeping the project on track which, in turn, positively impacts the budget. 

Prioritizing Multi-Use Spaces

Campus expansion typically means anticipated growth or growth that has already happened and needs to be accommodated for. Designing buildings and facilities that can accommodate the current and anticipated needs keeps the building relevant and effective for years to come. For example, adding diverse functionality to multi-use spaces allows colleges and universities the opportunity to increase sustainability. Not only are you supporting the here and now, you’re also proactively supporting the future. 

Sustainability at the Core

Higher education construction projects benefit greatly when sustainability is at the forefront of the project. From a renovation perspective, you’re able to take something that already existed and make it even more impactful with intentional sustainability choices. When building and designing brand new buildings, take the opportunity to incorporate as many energy-saving pieces to extend the life of the building even further. Utilizing renewable materials and intentional design choices that give the building multiple uses enhances the project’s sustainability and functionality. 

Success Stories from Higher Education Construction (Case Study)

Tonn and Blank Construction has undertaken several higher education projects that effectively address challenges related to multi-use spaces, sustainability, and student engagement. A notable example is their renovation of the University of Saint Francis’s Achatz Hall of Science in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The Achatz Hall of Science is a 70,666-square-foot facility that underwent a comprehensive modernization to support the university’s growing focus on health and science disciplines. The renovation included the addition of 12 specialized laboratories, dedicated research spaces, and updated classrooms to accommodate programs in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Environmental Science, Anatomy and Physiology, Mathematics, and Computer Science.

Multi-Use Spaces for All Scientific Fields

The design incorporates versatile laboratories tailored to various scientific fields, such as biotechnology, microbiology, and computer science. Shared and dedicated preparatory areas, along with contemporary storage solutions for specimens and supplies, enhance the building’s adaptability to different academic needs.

Sustainability From the Inside Out:

The project emphasizes efficient energy use and green building design concepts. Features like the observatory terrace and an outdoor classroom not only provide additional learning environments but also promote environmental consciousness among students and faculty.

Intentional Student Engagement and Interaction:

A two-story atrium with a large feature staircase offers expansive views of the campus lake, creating an inviting space that encourages student interaction. The atrium’s glass curtain wall façade illuminates the interior, making the building a prominent campus beacon, especially at night. Additionally, six dedicated student study spaces are strategically placed throughout the facility to foster collaborative learning and engagement.

Through this renovation, Tonn and Blank successfully addressed the challenges of creating multi-functional, sustainable, and engaging educational spaces, thereby enhancing the academic experience at the University of Saint Francis.

Successfully Meeting Modern Needs

In the South Central Community School Corporation project, Tonn and Blank served as the construction manager for a comprehensive development plan that included classroom additions, media center renovations, a student activity center, and locker room and restroom renovations. 

These additions were needed to accommodate growing student populations, enhance the already existing media center to be more versatile, provide a multipurpose space for all student activities, and improve functionality and comfort with newly renovated restrooms and locker rooms.

This project exemplifies Tonn and Blank’s commitment to creating adaptable, sustainable, and engaging educational spaces that meet the evolving needs of students and educators.

The Role of Collaboration in Higher Education Construction

Higher education campuses have huge networks and alumni bases that make up the culture and community of the campus and surrounding area. Consider including the campus community by asking for feedback and input on different aspects of the project. Collaborating with an experienced construction and design team can also offer valuable insight to decisions to help make the project a success. 

Engaging with the Community

Including the people who will be using the buildings every day is a great way to get insightful feedback for any project. In the higher education space, allowing collaboration with administrators, faculty, staff, and students gives them a sense of ownership in the project and may open your eyes to some crucial decisions you may have missed. It would also be wise to get feedback from the local community, especially those who would consider financially contributing.

Partnering with Experienced Construction and Design Teams

Going into any project with confidence in your team is a great feeling. Partnering with a construction team who has experience with higher education construction truly sets your project up for success. This automatically gives you access to seamless execution because they already know the potential hang ups. With an experienced design team, you’ll also have a wealth of innovative solutions at your fingertips helping bring your project to life in the best way.

Conclusion

Higher education construction projects require intentional collaboration and planning before the project even begins. Ensuring your master plan is up to date and realistic is a crucial step in making sure the project is set up for success. Without a long-term goal, it can be hard to keep your sights set on what you’re working towards. Focusing on sustainability throughout the project keeps it aligned with the budget while meeting the needs of those using the building and facility. 

Successful campus expansion starts with a good partnership. Tonn and Blank has experience on higher education construction projects of all sizes. Working with a team like Tonn and Blank gives your team expert guidance and a network of support to get the project done the right way. Explore past projects completed by the highly specialized team and start the conversation on how they can help make your project happen.