RETHINKING THE FUTURE OF THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

In a post-COVID world, how can higher education embrace unforeseen changes and enable self-starting, entrepreneurial students to thrive? The interdisciplinary design firm Sasaki, has learned from its experience in the planning and implementation of university campuses around the world that a nimble, multi-faceted 21st century living-learning education positions universities to be adaptable for years to come. We argue that flexibility must be integrated at the planning level to break down silos and support interdisciplinary pedagogies inside and out of the classroom. Campus master plans need to embrace the idea of the plan as a “living document” or framework that can adapt to future needs. Designers and educators must also work together to harness the next generation of technology to create transparent, accessible and impactful learning environments. Flexible plans, buildings, and landscapes can connect different disciplines, integrate the latest technology, stitch together the campus, and encourage a lifelong learning mentality. The following case studies drawn from Sasaki’s practice in the United States, Asia, and Latin America will be used to support our argument: Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Anant National University, The Lawrenceville School, Xinyang University, Syracuse University, and Dartmouth College.