Dive Brief:
- Colleges and universities are imagining and building new campuses spaces, designed to spur creative thought in a wide range of disciplines and to mimic the environmental feel of startup office space.
- New living and learning space at the University of Utah incorporates professional practice outside of classroom space, and officials have targeted women to occupy a third of the space to increase diversity in the potential for startup inspiration.
- Universities are promoting mixed-use in these new spaces for law enforcement, engineering and entrepreneurial use by communities outside of campus, to foster stronger relationships and direct professional access opportunities for students.
Dive Insight:
Colleges can visualize a future where town-gown divides no longer exist, in part because of investments in mixed-use facilities. While security liabilities and cost inquiries may increase with the open access model for campus buildings, officials should create and promote opportunities to invite businesses onto campus, to aid in the training of future workforce among the student body.
Open models facilities not only serve as recruitment and retention tools for students, but can also create possibilities for continuing and distance learning modules, philanthropic investment, and revenue streams through leasing and rental opportunities.