As part of the University of Evansville’s Strategic Plan, a core goal was to secure the resources necessary to support the University's pursuit of excellence. The University undertook a comprehensive update of its facilities master plan to determine how best to address existing needs and identify new facilities essential to growth as an academic institution of recognized quality. In the fall of 2011, the University engaged a planning team comprised of Hafer Associates, Mackey Mitchell Architects, Brailsford & Dunlavey, and Rundell Ernstberge to update the existing facilities master plan to include enhancement of facilities and learning environments that reflect the high quality of the UE education.
Shape
In collaboration with and guided by the University's facilities steering committee, the team: facilitated focus group interviews with campus stakeholders; summarized interview findings to map consensus priorities; developed and refined planning programming and concepts; analyzed market data for on and off campus student housing; assessed existing building conditions and deferred maintenance needs; generated conceptual cost range opinions; and prepared facility planning concepts and renderings. The process undertaken by the planning team involved in depth engagement through numerous focus group sessions and interviews with students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders. The conversations were facilitated to produce an understanding of the University’s strengths and opportunities for improvement. The insights from these sessions have helped to shape and prioritize the elements of this plan.
Inspire
Building on these strengths, the master plan assisted in securing the resources to foster a more sustainable, vibrant, and welcoming campus. Core campus buildings were renovated to provide operationally efficient, accessible, and responsive modern learning environments. The campus social heart created by the Ridgway Center and East Terrace outdoor space is further invigorated by transforming the nearby adjacent library and recreation center into active participants of campus life. Campus edges and outdoor spaces are enhanced to create a more welcoming identity and first impression. Residential life facilities will be renovated and replaced to offer greater value and an experience consistent with the University’s reputation for quality.
We look forward to the ways the new plan will transform the campus environment in the coming years.
- Thomas Kazee President Emeritus, University of Evansville
