Campus Master Plan
Challenged by the need to modernize and expand within a constrained urban footprint, the College of Charleston sought a master plan that would provide direction for physical improvements while celebrating its ties to the City of Charleston and South Carolina's Low Country. The 12-month integrated planning process engaged not only campus stakeholders, but city planners, historic preservation groups, and neighborhood associations. The Master Plan identifies nearly one million square feet of new facilities and improvements seamlessly embedded in the city and campus’ historic fabric.
These strategically-sited infill projects will create and reinforce academic clusters and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, while also integrating student life facilities and residence halls to create a true living-learning community. A new Learning Technology Center and active-learning classrooms are integrated in new and existing facilities to enhance teaching and learning outcomes. Public/private partnerships are a proposed as a way to leverage limited resources. Many of the planning initiatives proposed by the Master Plan are currently being implemented.
In advancing the College of Charleston’s strategic vision, the plan honors its unique historic location, reinforces existing campus centers, energizes the civic realm, and strengthens the College’s relationship with its community.
Data Analytics
Space Analysis undertaken by the Hanbury team included a Space Utilization and Space Needs Analysis. The utilization study included a determination of existing facility efficiencies and a quantitative evaluation of built space in comparison with recognized standards. Utilization of existing facilities was found to exceed standards, however recommendations included updating classroom infrastructure to reflect new teaching modalities.
An identification of space needs was made in relation to existing facilities at the base year of fall 2010 and for projected needs 10 years in the future. The study included an analysis of academic space, academic support space, and auxiliary space. It also included an analysis of space needs by school, college, and major administrative unit.
The College’s future space needs, challenged by constrained growth opportunities within the historic zone, require focused planning scenarios and multiple implementation strategies. These are fulfilled in a master plan that cites the potential for almost one million square feet of new facilities, which are intended to reinforce the College’s highly customized student-centered approach to learning.
“It was a pleasure working with this team, and the Board of Trustees members were very impressed with the depth and vision they provided.”
– Stephen C. Osborne, Former Executive Vice President for Business Affairs, College of Charleston
