Master Planning

Do you have ideas and/or suggestions for our 2023 Campus Master Plan? Please eMail us at masterplan2023@cofc.edu

Facilities Planning develops and refines the long-range campus development plan, conceptually planning up to 30 years in advance. The planning scope includes property acquisitions, new construction and major renovations. We work in partnership with Academic Affairs, Budgeting, Business Affairs, Campus Services, Controller, Information Technology, Procurement, Public Safety, Office of the President and of utmost importance, the occupants of the spaces we plan.

2023 Campus Master Plan

The COVID-19 pandemic changed all notions as to how academic and administrative campus spaces should be utilized. Pedagogical methods of remote, hybrid, and in-person instruction evolved dramatically. Charleston real estate is decreasing in availability and increasing in cost, prompting increasingly efficient space and land utilization. Climate change and sea level rise are hastening the need for resilience on the Charleston peninsula and surrounding areas. We strive to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Student, faculty, and staff well-being, equity, and inclusion remain top priorities. A strong, collaborative relationship within and between the College, campus community, and consultants will be instrumental to determining how our campus will look and function for the next 20-30 years.

The College engaged Beyer Blinder Belle Architects and Planners of New York, NY to develop a "Strategic Campus Framework" to guide future development of our campus in alignment of the College's Strategic Plan. Their work has been recognized with hundreds of national and local awards for design excellence. The firm is partnering with leading local, regional, and national subconsultants to create a robust, well-researched encompassing plan.

The Strategic Campus Framework will create a roadmap of opportunities for infill development and preservation in the historic core, strategic land use, acquisition and disposition of properties, and renewal of the housing stock. A menu of vetted and coordinated options for program relocations, new and/or renovated buildings to support emerging programs, adaptive reuse, open space and landscape improvements, and supporting campus systems will inform decision-making.

To date, consultants have conducted three campus-wide engagements, 25 stakeholder interviews, and over 140 on-campus interactions. Open houses for students and faculty/staff were held to solicit input. An online survey received over 330 responses.

The College and consultants encourage student involvement, such as internships and shadowing opportunities. Examples include tasks related to Historic Preservation, Community Planning, Biology, Geology, Environmental Studies, Sustainability, and Studio Arts, just to name a few.

Do you have ideas and/or suggestions for our 2023 Campus Master Plan? We welcome our students, faculty, staff, neighbors, and the general public to eMail us at masterplan2023@cofc.edu and join us at upcoming town halls (dates to be announced). We value your input and want this to be a truly collaborative process.

Guiding Principles and Project Scope

  • Convey “Tradition and Transformation” through the built environment.
  • Enhance “America’s Most Beautiful Campus” to be a dynamic and inclusive environment for all.
  • Improve campus and neighborhood mobility.
  • Improve campus safety and security.
  • Improve campus sustainability and resilience.
  • Improve campus wayfinding.
  • Improve physical infrastructure reliability and efficiency.
  • Optimize property and space utilization and flexibility.
  • Promote discovery, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Previous Studies and Master Plans

 

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