Colleges and universities understand the importance of well-maintained and flexible learning environments for students, faculty, and researchers. To ensure that these environments meet the evolving needs of the academic community, it is crucial to have effective space management policies in place. We will explore the five key areas effective to space management on college campuses.
1: Improve and optimize space utilization
One of the main challenges in space management is optimizing space utilization. Many college campuses have spaces that are underutilized, especially during peak demand periods. By implementing holistic policies that release department-controlled spaces for general assignment, colleges can improve space utilization. Additionally, right-sizing classroom designs to align with enrollment realities can significantly enhance space utilization.
2: Increase the scale of campus buildings
According to the authors’ research, maintaining one 100,000 square-foot building is 20 to 30 percent less expensive than maintaining a group of 10,000 square-foot buildings. To increase economies of scale, it is advisable to focus on maintaining fewer buildings with larger footprints. This approach is particularly important for master planning, where larger buildings that support modern programs should be prioritized over smaller, older, and ineffective spaces.
3: Optimize the mix and flexibility of space management
Colleges and universities face the challenge of balancing the need for space with limited resources. By optimizing the mix and flexibility of space, institutions can create greater impact with their finite resources. This involves aligning space management policies with the institution’s strategic goals and making decisions that prioritize urgent needs. Effective space management policies can help address the capital problem and ensure that buildings remain functional and well-maintained.
4: Coordination of repairs and modernization
Repair and modernization of campus buildings are essential for maintaining a safe and functional learning environment. Coordinating these efforts is crucial to ensure that repairs are done in a timely manner and that modernization projects align with the institution’s long-term capital plan. By effectively managing repairs and modernization, colleges can extend the lifespan of their buildings and enhance the overall quality of the learning environment.
5: Addition by removal of unused space
Removing outdated and ineffective spaces is an important aspect of space management. By eliminating smaller, older spaces that no longer serve their purpose, colleges can make room for more functional and modern facilities. This approach allows institutions to optimize their space and create a more efficient and effective learning environment.
Effective space management is crucial for colleges and universities to navigate the challenges they face. By implementing the five keys to space management, institutions can better utilize their existing space, reduce costs and pursue their academic mission more effectively.
Gordian’s Asset Optimization Solutions
Gordian measures space, capital and operational performance to provide our customers with benchmarks and action plans for continuous improvement. With this data, understand the impact of actions taken toward capital investment strategies. Learn more about how to maximize space occupancy and room utilization on your campus.
