Optimising University Estates
This strategic guide by the Education Design Unit (EDU) explores the many factors – from design to utilisation to management – that make higher education buildings and campuses effective and sustainable. In response to a call from the AUDE, the guide provides insights into the optimisation of higher education estates and is a starting point for future-facing higher education design.
Starting with an overview of the various stakeholders and interest groups that inform an institution’s development, including students and local communities, the guide presents the views and concerns of AUDE members across nine UK universities. It outlines a new methodology for evaluating the adaptive potential of existing HE buildings, with an emphasis on the value of carbon
reduction, and a bespoke approach to assess higher education spaces against 12 quality criteria. University estates teams can use these frameworks as a consultation tool to inform initial studies and develop design briefs, and to identify relevant carbon and spatial strategies.
Based on three years of in-depth research and discussion, the guide represents a significant investment of time, analysis and experience from both the EDU and AUDE members. With its range of case studies, evaluation tools and recommendations, it aims to help AUDE members focus design questions around improving space utilisation, reducing carbon emissions and delivering high-quality, value-for-money environments.