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Higher Education: Campus Planning

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― Campus Planning

Redefining the Campus of the Future


Contents

Approach ― 5 Selected Projects ― 9

Front Cover: The University of Alabama, Huntsville Left: Georgia Tech, Harrison Square


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― Campus Master Planning

Redefining the Campus of the Future Higher education is trading rigid, building-bound structures for open, shared spaces built on knowledge, partnership, and flexibility. The campus is becoming a network—immersive learning, vibrant culture, real-world skills. As planners, designers, and engineers, we see opportunity in breaking silos, connecting research, enabling student mobility, and blurring boundaries as the model evolves.

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Campus Master Planning

It’s time for a new perspective.

To stay dynamic, agile, and true to their missions, universities need an approach that breaks down old silos—one that brings the academic mission, physical spaces, and financial realities into a single conversation. That’s where our collaborative, deeply inclusive process comes in. It helps universities surface the hard truths about what students actually need. We’ve moved away from static plans toward dynamic, agile Master Plans—living tools that guide decision-making, balance near- and long-term thinking, and build resilience in the face of uncertainty. The result: real consensus and shared ownership across stakeholders, leadership, and students alike. 6


Partnerships

Lifelong Alumni

Public and Private

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Virtual Learning Innovation Hubs

Vision for Future Experience

Growth

Culture

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Space Utilization

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Stu

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Academics and Research

Growing without the burden of growing

Open Space

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Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Brand

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Growth

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Co-working

Subscriptions

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Innovation Hubs

Health and Wellness

Infrastructure Systems

Campus Experience

Campus planning sets the stage for a university’s physical environment to fully support its mission and vision. At Perkins&Will, our approach is strategic, deeply collaborative, sustainable, and data-driven—shaped by internationally recognized specialists across a wide range of higher education projects. For every project, we dig in to understand its distinct context, setting, and goals. Each plan is a one-of-a-kind response: a flexible, inspiring road map that drives innovation, promotes stewardship, and strengthens community. Our team has led campus planning efforts of all kinds, bringing bold design strategies, a people-first sensibility, and genuine community collaboration to every one.

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― Campus Master Planning

Selected Projects

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The University of Kansas 2024 Master Plan:A Resilient Campus Lawrence, Kansas Client: University of Kansas Size: 1,000 acres Completion: 2024

Maptionnaire and Heat Map Survey results from engagement at the University of Kansas

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― WHAT IT IS 2024 SCUP EXCELLENCE IN PLANNING

A dynamic and data-informed master plan highlighting opportunities for improvement in all space categories.

KU Campus Master Plan wins ‘Highest Honor’

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University of Kansas, Campus Master Plan

― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE

The plan led to policies that optimize use and reduce the University’s footprint, operational costs, and environmental impact, and carbon footprint.

Below: A visualization of Jayhawk Boulevard’s crucial intersection with the path of migration of monarch and Nymphalidae family butterflies.

30% Increase in biodiversity

1200 MT of Carbon sequestered per year

KU

Migration Path of Monarch Butterflies KU is home to Monarch Watch, an organization that has tagged over 1.5 million monarch butterflies to study their migration patterns since its inception in 1992.

The Kansas Biological Survey is grounded in its historic studies of the state’s flora and fauna dating back to 1866. 12


“This master plan is a work based on thousands of voices expressing what we value and how we should use this place on Mount Oread, we have an obligation to be good stewards of this campus. Our goal is to be sustainable and resilient, and this is our path forward.” ― PROVOST BARBARA BICHELMEYER

1%

Campus Ecologies

5%

1% 2%

23%

27%

5% 29%

Fresh Water Marsh

Oak Savanna

Existing Prairie Grass

Ash-Elm Hackberry Floodplain Forest

10%

Upland Oak Prairie

3% 8%

Oak Hickory Upland Forest

21%

Preserved Historical landscape Wetland/Pond

Proposed 600 Acres 26%

17%

Existing 464 Acres

7% 14%

The Prairie Acre is an unplowed, native prairie remnant established in 1932 on campus.

Housed at KU’s historic Dyche Hall, Kansas Biodiversity Institute is one is of the world’s leaders in collection-based research into past and present life on Earth.

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The University of New Hampshire Framework Plan Durham, New Hampshire Client: University of New Hampshire Size: 1,100 acres Completion Date: 2024

― WHAT IT IS

A 10-year Campus Master Plan supporting UNH’s strategic priorities: enhancing student success and well-being, expanding academic and research excellence, embracing the roots of rural New Hampshire, and building financial strength. 14


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Florida State University Campus Master Plan Tallahassee and Panama City, Florida Client: Florida State University Size: 3 Campuses, 1,200 acres (486 hectares) Main Campus, 475 acres (192 hectares) Southwest Campus, 740 acres (300 hectares) Panama City Campus, 26 acres (11 hectares) Completion Date: Ongoing

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NORTHWEST QUADRANT

― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE

Add green open space

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Extend Legacy Walk

We are revitalizing campus culture, environmental protections, and improving student life in the university’s three largest campuses.

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LOOKING NORTHEAST

IMPROVE CONNECTIONS AND OPEN SPACE Proposed

Existing Sports Field

Open Space

Plaza

Pedestrian Connections

Open Space

Secondary Connections

Student Housing Student Life

― WHAT IT IS

This master plan update guides future physical changes needed to reach goals, adapt to change, and align with the university’s strategic plan objectives.

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Wentworth Institute of Technology Campus Master Plan Boston, Massachusetts

Client: Wentworth Institute of Technology Size: 1,440,000 square feet (28 acres) Completion Date: 2023

― WHAT IT IS

An open space framework that leverages Wentworth’s unique location for a cultural transformation.


― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE

The data collected from digital surveys was tabulated and translated into spatial mapping visuals, resulting in unique insights for both the client and design team.

→ Overall Framework plan identifying opportunities for growth and transforming the campus environment

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Delaware State University Campus Master Plan Dover, Delaware Client: Delaware State University Size: 613,143 square feet Completion Date: 2022 Awards: MERIT Award, Analysis & Planning, Boston Society of Landscape Architects, 2023


↑ The reimagined campus framework fosters innovation and collaboration through a node and network system that supports the technological, scholastic, social, and creative needs of the students.

← The Stinger Spine Pavilion creates moments of happenstance engagement and respite for students navigating campus. A celebration of the rich history, sculptural modules put the campus’ rich history on display.

― WHAT IT IS

A comprehensive plan promoting diversity and long term student growth, resulting in an elevated student experience. 21


Georgetown University, Capitol Campus Master Plan Washington, D.C. Client: Georgetown University Size: Confidential Completion Date: 2024

― WHAT IT IS

A vibrant civic realm that integrates campus and community and strengthens the civic identity.

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― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE

The capitol campus will be transformed into vibrant campus with student activity that nurtures future leaders around social equity, climate change, problem solving, and educational aspirations.

Strategically distributed spaces for collaboration and gathering will welcome partners and neighbors into the campus, fostering an open, inclusive academic landscape that is deeply embedded in its community. This plan will uniquely position the client for its next 100 years of growth and empower the university to fulfill its mission to drive positive global change through education and leadership.


University of Virginia Ivy Gardens Master Plan Charlottesville, Virginia Client: University of Virginia Size: 1.4M square feet Completion Date: Spring 2020

― WHAT IT IS

An academic mixed-use development with three different housing market typologies, residential amenities, innovation hub, retail and commercial, and a program development model of over 1.4M square feet.

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SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE

MULTI MODAL SYSTEM ramewor of bi eways and pedestrian wal ways for improved connectivity GRADUATE STUDENT COMMUNITY iving commons with social hubs for collaboration, dining and recreation RESIDENTIAL COMMONS esidential communities with active ground floor uses PEDESTRIAN SPINE ative street trees to provide shade and reduce eat sland effect GREEN COURTYARD educe paved areas with solar reflective pavements to mitigate heat island effect GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE io-swales and stormwater Ps to collect, purify and infiltrate storm water

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Michigan State University Crescent Road Redevelopment Master Plan East Lansing, Michigan Client: Michigan State University Size: 140 acres (57 hectares) Completion Date: 2018


― WHAT IT IS

Optimizing the university’s existing land holdings by creating a vibrant, walkable, urban destination.

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Western Michigan University Hilltop Village Master Plan Kalamazoo, Michigan Client: Western Michigan University Size: 150 acres (61 hectares), 3.1 M square feet (288,000 square meters) Completion Date: 2018

― WHAT IT IS

A long-range vision that includes phasing aligned with real estate market realities and integrated with the university’s space needs.


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University of Florida Innovation Square Vision Plan Gainesville, Florida Client: University of Florida Size: 60 acres (24 hectares) Completion Date: Ongoing Awards: Donald E. Hunter Excellence in Economic Development Planning Award,American Planning Association, 2012 Award of Merit, Planning Category, Florida American Planning Association, 2012 Honor Award, Planning & Analysis Category, Florida ASLA, 2012 Out of the Box Award, Florida Redevelopment Association, 2012 President’s Award, Florida Redevelopment Association, 2012

― WHAT IT IS

A walkable, high-density district that attracts researchers, students, and start-ups with lively spaces to live, work, play, and collaborate.


― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE

Breaking down barriers between “town and gown” to create a collaborative space for research and discovery.

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Wake Forest Innovation Quarter Master Plan Winston-Salem, North Carolina Client: Wake Health, Wake Forest Innovation Quarter Size: 28 acres, 10 buildings, 2.7 M square feet Completion Date: May 2021

An aerial perspective view of the Innovation Quarter with the focal green spaces in the center framed by mixed-use buildings.

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― WHAT IT IS

Innovation Quarter is one of the latest incarnations of creativity, collaboration, and cooperation in Winston-Salem connecting and enhancing the network of green open spaces, streets, and trails that unite varied neighborhoods.

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University of Wisconsin-Madison West Campus District Plan Madison, Wisconsin Client: Aaron Olver, University Research Park Size: 127 Acres / 4.8M square feet Completion Date: October 2023

RAPID TRANSIT CONNECTIVITY ENERGY EFFICIENCY Sustainable rooftop technology on strategically chosen buildings of all uses to provide on-site energy generation

Multimodal interchange between bus, bicycles, and pedestrian

HEATING AND COOLING PLANT

COGENERATION FACILITY

WATER The Co Gen facility provides electricity, steam heat, and chilled water, reducing costs and emissions, exemplifying clean energy.

BUILDING REUSE

Repurposing the WARF fosters sustainability and efficient space utilization.

WARF

ZERO WASTE Planning for efficient and effective resource and materials management

STORMWATER MANAGEMENT Bioswales along roads and lake edges are designed to manage stormwater and runoff

HABITAT RESTORATION Providing and enhancing habitats for native species along lakefront and Lakefront Nature Preserve

ENERGY EFFICIENCY Green roofs can providing insulation and reduce the need for heating and cooling, which helps reduce energy consumption.

TREE CANOPY

BIKEABLE & PEDESTRIAN FRIENDLY CAMPUS

Trees lining roads and walking paths provide shade and help mitigate heat island effect

GEOTHERMAL Collecting clean, renewable energy from the earth. (Location for illustration purposes) Note: As a 30 year plan, technology will evolve and improve over time these are possible strategies and initiatives that are considered.

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Routes connect this district to the rest of campus supporting an active and healthy lifestyle as well as reduces traffic and parking needs


― WHAT IT IS

The first major initiative under UW-Madison’s new real estate strategy, which aims to support the mission of the university through revenue generation by optimizing land use.

LAB/OFFICE

INTEGRATED WILDLIFE HABITATS

GROUND LEVEL CAFE/ RETAIL

RECREATIONAL WATER EDGE

NATURE TRAIL

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Texas A&M University-Central Texas Campus Plan and FORGE Innovation District Plan Killeen, Texas Client: Fort Hood Regional Economic Development Corporation Size: 672 acres Completion Date: 2022

― WHAT IT IS

Forge is a dynamic, defense-driven research community that celebrates Killeen’s unique context. A&M-Central Texas, along with its partners in the Department of Defense, local government, economic development agencies, affiliated educational institutions, workforce development organizations, and private industry seek to create a coalition of change, build on the booming knowledge economy in the Central Texas region, and develop a more diversified economy.

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Open space connections and park network

― WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE

Design that embraces the unique natural character and ecosystems that characterize the Texas Hill Country, while preserving and enhancing critical wildlife habitat.

Capitalizing on a unique opportunity to create a center of innovation within the A&M-Central Texas campus, a new trajectory can be launched—one which will set in motion a vibrant and everexpanding innovation ecosystem.

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Tarleton State University Campus Master Plans Stephenville and Fort Worth, Texas

Client: Tarleton State University Size: Stephenville 200 acres ; Fort Worth 80 acres

↓ Aerial of the Master Plan including Main Academic Quad and Chisholm Green


Two of the three main quad buildings are now completed for the Fort Worth campus.

― WHAT MAKES IT COOL

Tarleton State University is one of the best examples of our motto “our plans get built” with both campuses, Stephenville and Fort Worth, beginning as campus plans (most recently in 2019 and 2020) that resulted in near-term priorities designed by our team and completed in 2024 and 2026.

Health Sciences Education Building completed 2026 on the Stephenville Campus

― WHAT IT IS

A plan addressing specific near-term priorities while providing a framework for long-term growth, identifying six priority areas of need on two campuses: academic space; student housing; athletics, recreation and student life; parking; campus landscape; and infrastructure.


University of Virginia, Brandon Avenue Master Plan and Green Street Design Charlotesville, Virginia Client: University of Virginia Size: 8 acres Completion Date: 2020 Awards: Georgia ASLA , Honor Award, Analysis & Planning category, 2022; Best Ultra Urban Project, Chesapeake Stormwater Network BUBBA, 2021; Best Landscape/Urban Development Project, ENR MidAtlantic, 2020; Honor Award, ASLA Southeast, 2019

― WHAT IT IS

A bioremediation corridor and civic promenade define an entirely new urban district of UVA's renowned Academical Village.

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↑ Bioretention Basin Rain Diagram

→ Brandon Avenue Site Plan

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