Edge Is An ASU 2020 Double Winner
Edge Architecture is excited to announce we have won, not one, but two American School & University (ASU) 2020 Architectural Portfolio Awards.
You can read all about these two projects in the Latest Issue of American School & University
These projects were designed and completed well before the events of 2020, however many of the details of these two collegiate food service facilities are in line with the current, and anticipated needs of a post-pandemic, post-secondary landscape.
At Edge, we are always discussing the state of design & function, looking ahead, and assessing both the needs and trends affecting colleges and universities. We have gathered up some of our current thoughts to share with you all.
The Covid-19 effect
With all US colleges and universities operating on schedules ranging from slightly modified to fully remote, facility usage is drastically different than just a year ago. Although not filled with students, buildings and the systems within must still be maintained and attended to. This presents a bit of a mis-match between costs and usage, which has trickled down to anger from those paying for college and not getting “what they signed up for.” The pressure is on for institutions to make effective, educated, forward looking design, renovation and construction decisions. Edge is primed and ready to guide you through these ever-changing waters.
The use of natural light and operable windows was already a trending practice. In fact, our two award winning projects make liberal use of large, high tech windows and doors. Going forward, sunlight and fresh air will quickly rise from nice-to-haves to must-haves, benefiting both the student mind and body.
Material choices for durability, and cleanability have become a significant concern. Covid-19’s ability to live on surfaces is uncertain, but a dramatic increase in cleaning frequency will become the norm. Scrub-able surfaces able to endure additional wear is now the minimum standard.
When looking to future projects, committees should to look carefully at the current challenges to ensure design decisions provide the flexibility necessary to respond to whatever lies ahead. The only thing we know for certain is that the future is uncertain.
Student Unions, Food Service & Multi-Use Facilities
Large, student union buildings have been moving towards a more flexible and adaptable model, integrating food service spaces with additional functions like studying, recreation and collaboration. These newer, adaptable spaces are well suited for regular changes in spacing and flow.
Food service evolution from service lines, and stations, to order-ahead, and grab-n-go, will also affect how buildings are used since the majority of food will be consumed elsewhere. When properly designed and outfitted, spaces previously used for dining can be re-purposed for just about any other use.
The Impact of Hybrid & Remote Classes
With some percentage of higher-ed institutions teaching classes remotely for the foreseeable future, academic buildings are not being used as designed. In the short term, this is not a real issue, but where new construction or renovations are planned, attention should be paid to designing more flexibility into these facilities.
The flip-side of the academic building changes is happening in housing units. Where students would normally be out and about, remote classes have them spending a far greater percentage of their time in bedrooms and common areas. This shift places additional stress on every piece of infrastructure from plumbing, to HVAC, to furniture and tech infrastructure.
The future of on-campus housing is certainly in a fluid state. Will dorms be able to maintain density as designed, or will new guidelines force changes? Again, for any current or future projects, flexibility and adaptability will be paramount for success.
Technology
Technology has been an increasing area of emphasis for decades, and the current environment has only accelerated the pace. The addition of high definition camera and microphone systems to classrooms, labs, and academic offices is already happening, so when remote instruction is called for again (and it will be), necessary assets are in place. Housing units will need to upgrade systems to handle increased bandwidth demand, and where a single wireless access point in a common area or public space was sufficient in the past, remote learners will test the mettle of existing infrastructure.
Technical retrofitting can be both messy and expensive, so significant upgrades may have to wait and be blended with upcoming renovation and construction projects. In all cases on all campuses, technology will be a driving force for all design and construction projects.
Flexibility Is The Key To Success
You may have noticed a recurring theme… flexibility. American colleges and universities are some of the oldest enduring institutions. Tradition tends to eschew progress, but for post-secondary schools to survive and thrive, their physical infrastructure will need to be far more than a campus of buildings used only 8-10 hours a day. Edge has a keen eye for what’s possible and a passion for building what’s next. Let us help you take your institution into tomorrow.