Buena Vista University
Student Life (Union) Space Assessment, Detailed Feasibility Study, and Concept Development
In April 2007, Buena Vista University engaged Brailsford & Dunlavey to assess on-campus student gathering spaces to determine their condition and ability to be reconfigured to better address student demand. In order to assess the student life services and facilities, B&D developed a quantitative and qualitative approach that included a review of the University's Strategic Plan, Campus Master Plan, student surveys; a visioning session with the president's cabinet; student focus groups; campus-wide intercept interviews with students; and meetings with University administrators. Upon completing this initial phase, B&D was retained by the University to proceed with a more detailed feasibility study.
B&D's analysis of the existing Siebens
Forum, residence hall lounges, recreational
facilities, and outdoor areas indicated that
improvements were needed to enhance student
satisfaction, as well as to remain competitive
with other institutions in the region. The
multi-purpose design of many spaces, combined
with dated décor and furnishings, limited the
sense of distinctiveness and comfort that
students found inviting. Although students used
the ample green space for impromptu
interaction, a lack of infrastructure
discouraged large gatherings and planned
activities.
Existing student life facilities at Siebens Forum were compared to contemporary standards for union and student life facilities at colleges and universities nationwide. The analysis revealed that, overall, the Forum space was not undersized for the current demand, and that with appropriate changes it could become a very successful home for future Buena Vista students. Therefore, B&D found no reason to build a brand new facility.
Short-term and long-term opportunities for outdoor and indoor spaces on campus were proposed. These recommendations included comfortable and appropriately sited outdoor furniture for informal use, proper utilization of spaces between buildings, and effective visual connectivity for indoor and outdoor spaces. Additionally, B&D discerned that the Forum and other existing gathering spaces could be given more appeal and functionality to reflect contemporary student interests and values.
B&D found that student housing facilities at the University fell below current industry standards for gross square footage per bed, which suggested that the University's student housing lacked appropriate community spaces typically found at other campuses. The University also lacked apartment- and townhouse-style housing--an increasingly common commodity at institutions of higher learning nationwide. As a result, B&D recommended developing "flagship" apartment-style housing lakeside to meet student demand for more varied housing types.
In early 2008, B&D was retained for a third time by the University, this time to proceed with concept development services, which included:
- Construction of a new Student Activity Center
- Renovation of the Forum
- Renovation of Pierce and White halls
- Construction of a new connector between Pierce and White halls, connecting all levels
As part of B&D's short-term recommendations to improve campus gathering spaces, the University built a dynamic coffee house adjacent to its library and in a previously underutilized space. The coffee house opened in August 2008.
And in 2009, B&D returned to campus in order to advise on student gathering space improvements.
