The @FelicianoCenter’s @MIXLabDesign Design Charrette for “B.E.L.A.” Summer High School Program Entailing the Redevelopment of a Significant Urban Historic Site #UrbanPlanning #Redevelopment #Business #Entrepreneur #Education #HighSchool #DesignThink #Innovation #NJEd @MontclairStateU
Posted: July 10, 2019 Filed under: Architectist, Architecture, Design, Design Thinking, Education, Green, Leadership, More FC3 | Tags: Architecture, Autonomous Vechicles, Charrette, Design, Design Think, Education, Feliciano, High School Students, Historical, Innovation, Kids, LEED, Mixed Use, MIXLAB, Montclair NJ, Montclair State University, Planning, preservation, PURE, Redevelopment, Retail, School of Business, SITES, Smart Cities, Solving for X, students, Summer Program, Sustainability, Technology, University Architect, Urban, WELL Leave a comment
On July 9, 2019, in the capacity of University Architect at Montclair State University (and Alumni of the Feliciano School of Business). I had the privilege of participating in a design charrette with a local high school. The project consists of an urban redevelopment site with a precious historical building at the site. I was invited by the people who run the Montclair State University MIX Lab (Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship), an interdisciplinary hub for transformative innovation, and digitally mediated making.

M.I.X. stands for Making and Innovating for X, where X is the unknown, that which exceeds our grasp, the future, and the open-ended nature of creativity, good design and big problems. The co-directors of MIX Lab are Iain Kerr, associate professor of Innovation Design, and Jason Frasca, entrepreneurship instructor.
I graciously accepted Jason and Ian’s invitation to participate as a guest critic along with another fellow professional, Frank Gerard Godlewski of Fellsbridge Studio LLC, who specializes in historic preservation in the area where the redevelopment project is located. The format for the design charrette, hosted by the MIX Lab for the high school program led by high school teacher, Kevin Richburg, included: (1) The students, in groups of 4-5, presented their concepts for the redevelopment of the site (there were 5 teams); (2) the guest critics gave suggestions and further thoughts on how to further explore and develop the student’s ideas; (3) the guest critics summed up their thoughts for all the students with key take-aways. The following is a recap of what I learned from the students (in so far as what is the most significant to them) and the key take-aways I offered the students (in no particular order of importance) from my perspective as an Architect who has been involved in the planning, design and construction of projects over the past 20-years.
What the Student Teams Focused on as Key Ideas for their Projects:
- Historic preservation of the existing building
- Connecting with local community
- Local and state pride
- Affordability
- Sustainability
- Celebration of diversity and inclusion
- Love of the arts
- Focus on the user “experience”
- Spaces for families to enjoy
- Entertainment
- Accessibility to quality food and goods
- Mixing of “Bright and Bold” historic and modern elements
- Transformative
- “Modern” vibe
Proposed Amenities of the Re-Development Site:
- Supermarkets (one group proposed a two-story whole sale supermarket)
- Open-air markets (farmer markets, etc.)
- Retail, restaurants, food trucks
- Open space, a square or plaza
- Parking for visitors (possible tunnel or bridge)
- Parking at perimeter
Types of Buildings (Programmed Spaces)
- Main historic building’s exterior appearance
- Main historic building’s exterior appearance
- Explore modernization of existing historic building interior to suite new uses
- Mixed use buildings with green roofs and roof top patios
- Modern, light and transparent
- Restaurants and sports bars
- Entertainment – bowling alley, arcade, movie theater
- Arts – Museum showcasing tradition and innovation
- Grocery stores
- Food trucks
- Retail
- Technology/electronics-based retail
- Main historic building’s exterior appearance
- Explore modernization of existing historic building interior to suite new uses
- Mixed use buildings with green roofs and roof top patios
- Modern, light and transparent
- Restaurants and sports bars
- Entertainment – bowling alley, arcade, movie theater
- Arts – Museum showcasing tradition and innovation
- Grocery stores
- Food trucks
- Retail
- Technology/electronics-based retail
Types of Exterior Spaces
- Open spaces with green lawns and fountains
- Places to reflect and remember
- ·Field with stage and seating
- Outdoor seating for restaurants
- Areas to relax

Key Take-Aways & Ideas for Further Exploration:
- Site plans – Delineate site elements separately from building elements (so easier to comprehend) using color or graphics (Example)
- Floor plans – Delineate building areas/rooms with designated color so it is easier to understand program of spaces (i.e., circulation vs apartments vs retail vs support spaces, etc.) (Example)
- Work together as a team – commemorate each other’s strengths but give everyone credit even those whose work may be behind the scenes
- Focus on one main idea (let other ideas support the one main theme)
- Context and Scale – Observe and learn from the surrounding community; apply those elements to the proposed project so that it complements the adjoining communities
- Materials – Understand how the new materials can complement the historic ones (let the original historic building stand on its own and celebrate its historical significance)
- Consider “big box” retail versus the Local “pop ups” (gentrification good and bad)
- Parking/Transportation – As mass transportation has changed from ships to locomotives to buses and cars; look to the future as the world heads to autonomous vehicles (particularly China). If parking is required think about how a parking lot or parking garage can be transformed in the future. Example
- Sustainability is important but do not forget to consider W.E.L.L. as well. LEED/Sustainability concepts Resource 1 ; Resource 2 also check out the following link for ides about other program types for the redevelopment project Resource 3
- Consider more technology in your projects, for instance: Smart Cities, AR/VR, and other innovate concepts, like: Immersive Experience and Virtual reality in theme park attractions. Also consider utilizing QR Codes as a teaching tool.
- Consider developing a pedestrian mall by converting an existing street into a pedestrian friendly zone like they have done in Jersey City, NJ or Times Square, New York City, NY or Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas, NV, the taking cars, trucks and buses off the street and giving the spaces back to the pedestrians who can enjoy it (also it would make the entire site one big site instead of two separate parcels dived by thru traffic).
- Lastly, and not least important, when considering injecting modern elements with historic architecture, it must be considered whether the original is to remain intact or be altered. There are interesting examples of tasteful alterations, however, the older I get the less comfortable I am with injecting new with old for the sake of “shock” value (where as a student of architecture 20 years ago the concept was more appealing). I reminded the students of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, and the ensuing debate that is going on whether or not the renovations/upgrades should be true to the original or whether the new design should be bold and innovating and perhaps less true to the original. Whether the designers choose to go in one direction or another much thought should be given to preserving the historical elements of our precious structures because they are irreplaceable (think Grand Central Station in New York City, NY, which acted as a catalyst for the preservation movement). Click here to read about the history of the Preservation Battle of Grand Central Station.
Overall, I was impressed by the talent and creativity of all the students and I was pleased with the quality of their presentations. I hope I was able to contribute in some small way to the success of their respective projects. The high school student participants’ contributions to the build environment would be welcomed by the design and construction industry, since the students are willing to understand and develop their skills in the area of deep thought, innovation, design, construction and socio-economic concepts at an early age. I gladly encouraged each and every one of them by letting them know that if they choose a career in architecture, engineering, real-estate development, construction or related field that they would certainly all be able to achieve their goals based on their willingness and eagerness to learn and present their visions and concepts. I hope my involvement was as rewarding for the students as it was for me.
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
What Will Higher Education Look Like 5, 10 or 20 Years From Now? Some Ways Colleges Can Reinvent Themselves #iLMA #eMBA #Innovation #Technology #Planning #Design #HigherEducation #HigherEd2030 #University #Architect
Posted: April 16, 2019 Filed under: Architecture, Ask the Architect, Campus Planning & Design, Design, Design Thinking, Education, Executive MBA, Higher Education - Architecture & Design, JustArch, Leadership, More FC3, Science & Technology, University | Tags: 2030, Architect, Architecture, Citizen Architect, College of the Future, Design, Digital, Education, eMBA, FC3, Future, Future Architect, Future Trends, Futurist Architect, Higher Education, Hybrid, Innovation, Leadership, Learning, management, MBA, Sustainability, Technology, Trends, University, University Architect, University Facilities, Visionary Leave a commentIntroduction
Change is a natural and expected part of running a successful organization. Whether big or small, strategic pivots need to be carefully planned and well-timed. But, how do you know when your organization is ready to evolve to its next phase? Anyone that listens, watches, or reads the news knows about the rising cost of higher education and the increasing debt that education is putting on students and alumni and their families.
At a time when education is most important to keep up with increasing technological changes, institutions need to pivot or face imminent doom in an ever increasing competitive environment. Competition can come from startups or external factors in the higher education market therefore it is increasingly necessary for institutions of higher learning to take a different approach to their business operations.
This post will focus on:
- Current Trends
- Demographic Shifts
- Future of Higher Education (and impacts on University Facilities & Management)
- Changing Assumptions
- Implications for the Physical Campus
- Changing Trajectory
- More Trends in Higher Education (Towards 2030)
- Driving Technologies
- External Forces
Current Trends
- Online education[i] has become an increasingly accepted option, especially when “stackable” into degrees.
- Competency-based education lowers costs and reduces completion time for students.
- Income Share Agreements[ii] help students reduce the risk associated with student loans.
- Online Program Manager organizations benefit both universities and nontraditional, working-adult students.
- Enterprise training companies are filling the skills gap by working directly with employers.
- Pathway programs facilitate increasing transnational education[iii], which serves as an additional revenue stream for universities.
Demographic Shifts
According to data from the National Clearinghouse and the Department of Education[iv]:
- The Average Age of a College/University Student Hovers Around Twenty-Seven (Though That Is Decreasing as The Economy Heats Up)
- 38% of Students Who Enrolled In 2011 Transferred Credits Between Different Institutions At Least Once Within Six Years.
- 38% of Students Are Enrolled Part-Time.
- 64% of Students Are Working Either Full-Time or Part-Time.
- 28% of Students Have Children of Their Own or Care For Dependent Family Members.
- 32% of Students Are from Low-Income Families.
- The Secondary Education Experience Has an Increasingly High Variation, Resulting In Students Whose Preparation For College-Level Work Varies Greatly.
Future of Higher Education (and impacts on University Facilities & Management)
The future of higher education depends on innovation.
University leaders who would risk dual transformation are required to exercise full commitment to multiple, potentially conflicting visions of the future. They undoubtedly confront skepticism, resistance, and inertia, which may sway them from pursuing overdue reforms.[v]
Change is upon us.
“All universities are very much struggling to answer the question of: What does [digitization[vi]] mean, and as technology rapidly changes, how can we leverage it?” . . . . Colleges afraid of asking that question do so at their own peril.”[vii]
James Soto Antony, the director of the higher-education program at Harvard’s graduate school of education.
Changing Assumptions
Until recently the need for a physical campus was based on several assumptions:
- Physical Class Time Was Required
- Meaningful Exchanges Occurred Face to Face
- The Value of an Institution Was Tied to a Specific Geography
- Books Were on Paper
- An Undergraduate Degree Required Eight Semesters
- Research Required Specialized Locations
- Interactions Among Students and Faculty Were Synchronous
Implications for the Physical Campus
- Learning – Course by course, pedagogy is being rethought to exploit the flexibility and placelessness of digital formats while maximizing the value of class time.
- Libraries – Libraries are finding the need to provide more usable space for students and faculty. Whether engaged in study, research or course projects, the campus community continues to migrate back to the library.
- Offices – While the rest of North America has moved to mobile devices and shared workspaces, academic organizations tend to be locked into the private, fixed office arrangement of an earlier era – little changed from a time without web browsers and cell phones.
- Digital Visible – From an institutional perspective, many of the implications of digital transformation are difficult to see, lost in a thicket of business issues presenting themselves with increasing urgency.
Changing Trajectory
University presidents and provosts are always faced with the choice of staying the course or modifying the trajectory of their institutions. Due to failing business models, rapidly evolving digital competition and declining public support, the stakes are rising. All should be asking how they should think about the campus built for the 21st century.[viii] J. Michael Haggans[ix] makes the following recommendations:
- Build no net additional square feet
- Upgrade the best; get rid of the rest
- Manage space and time; rethink capacity
- Right-size the whole
- Take sustainable action
- Make campus matter
More Trends in Higher Education (Towards 2030)
- The Rise of The Mega-University[x]
- ; Public Private Partnerships (P3’s) Procurement Procedures Will Become More Prevalent
- More Colleges Will Adopt Test-Optional Admissions
- Social Mobility Will Matter More in College Rankings
- Urban Colleges Will Expand[xi] — But Carefully
- Financial Crunches Will Force More Colleges to Merge
- The Traditional Textbook Will Be Hard to Find; Free and Open Textbooks
- More Unbundling and Micro-Credentials
- Continued Focus on Accelerating Mobile Apps
- Re-Imagining Physical Campus Space in Response to New Teaching Delivery Methods
- Transforming the Campus into A Strategic Asset with Technology
- Education Facilities Become Environmental Innovators
- Ethics and Inclusion: Designing for The AI Future We Want to Live In
- Visibility (Transparency) And Connectedness
- Sustainability from Multiple Perspectives
- Better Customer Experiences with The Digital Supply Chain
- Individualized Learning Design, Personalized Adaptive Learning
- Stackable Learning Accreditation
- Increased Personalization: More Competency-Based Education They’ll Allow Students to Master A Skill or Competency at Their Own Pace.
- Adaptation to Workplace Needs They’ll Adapt Coursework to Meet Employer Needs for Workforce Expertise
- Greater Affordability and Accessibility They’ll Position Educational Programs to Support Greater Availability.
- More Hybrid Degrees[xii]
- More Certificates and Badges, For Example: Micro-Certificates, Offer Shorter, More Compact Programs to Provide Needed Knowledge and Skills Fast[xiii]
- Increased Sustainable Facilities – Environmental Issues Will Become Even More Important Due to Regulations and Social Awareness; Reduced Energy Costs, Water Conservation, Less Waste
- Health & Wellness – Physical, Spiritual and Metal Wellbeing
- Diversity and Inclusion Will Increase
- Rise of The Micro-Campus[xiv] And Shared Campuses[xv]
- E-Advising to Help Students Graduate
- Evidence-Based Pedagogy
- The Decline of The Lone-Eagle Teaching Approach (More Collaboration)
- Optimized Class Time (70% Online, 30% Face to Face)
- Easier Educational Transitions
- Fewer Large Lecture Classes
- Increased Competency-Based and Prior-Learning Credits (Credit for Moocs or From “Real World” Experience)[xvi]
- Data-Driven Instruction
- Aggressive Pursuit of New Revenue
- Online and Low-Residency Degrees at Flagships
- Deliberate Innovation, Lifetime Education[xvii]
- The Architecture of The Residential Campus Will Evolve to Support the Future.
- Spaces Will Be Upgraded to Try to Keep Up with Changes That Would Build In Heavy Online Usage.
- Spaces Will Be Transformed and Likely Resemble Large Centralized, Integrated Laboratory Type Spaces.
- Living-Learning Spaces in Combination Will Grow, But On Some Campuses, Perhaps Not In The Traditional Way That We Have Thought About Living-Learning To Date.
Driving Technologies:
- Emerging Technologies – Such as Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, And Artificial Intelligence – Will Eventually Shape What the Physical Campus Of The Future Will Look Like, But Not Replace It.[xviii]
- Mobile Digital Transformation[xix]
- Smart Buildings and Smart Cities[xx]
- Internet of Things
- Artificial Intelligence (AI), Including Natural Language Processing
- Automation (Maintenance and Transportation Vehicles, Instructors, What Else?)
- Virtual Experience Labs, Including: Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality Learning, And Robotic Telepresence
- More Technology Instruction and Curricula Will Feature Digital Tools and Media Even More Prominently
- New Frontiers For E-Learning, For Example, Blurred Modalities (Expect Online and Traditional Face-To-Face Learning to Merge)[xxi]
- Blending the Traditional; The Internet Will Play Bigger Role in Learning
- Big Data: Colleges Will Hone Data Use to Improve Outcomes
External Forces:
- [xxii]: Corporate Learning Is A Freshly Lucrative Market
- Students and Families Will Focus More on College Return On Investment, Affordability And Student Loan Debt
- [xxiii]
- Greater Accountability; Schools will be more accountable to students and graduates
- Labor Market Shifts and the Rise of Automation
- Economic Shifts and Moves Toward Emerging Markets
- Growing Disconnect Between Employer Demands and College Experience
- The Growth in Urbanization and A Shift Toward Cities
- Restricted Immigration Policies and Student Mobility
- Lack of Supply but Growth in Demand
- The Rise in Non-Traditional Students
- Dwindling Budgets for Institutions[xxiv]
- Complex Thinking Required Will Seek to Be Vehicles of Societal Transformation, Preparing Students to Solve Complex Global Issues
Sources
& References:
[i] Online education is a flexible instructional delivery system that encompasses any kind of learning that takes place via the Internet. The quantity of distance learning and online degrees in most disciplines is large and increasing rapidly.
[ii] An Income Share Agreement (or ISA) is a financial structure in which an individual or organization provides something of value (often a fixed amount of money) to a recipient who, in exchange, agrees to pay back a percentage of their income for a fixed number of years.
[iii] Transnational education (TNE) is education delivered in a country other than the country in which the awarding institution is based, i.e., students based in country Y studying for a degree from a university in country Z.
[iv] Article accessed on April 16, 2019: https://er.educause.edu/articles/2019/3/changing-demographics-and-digital-transformation
[v]Article accessed on April 16, 2019: https://ssir.org/articles/entry/design_thinking_for_higher_education
[vi] Digitization is the process of changing from analog to digital form.
[vii] Article accessed on April 16, 2019: https://qz.com/1070119/the-future-of-the-university-is-in-the-air-and-in-the-cloud
[viii] Article accessed on April 16, 2019: http://c21u.gatech.edu/blog/future-campus-digital-world
[ix] Michael Haggans is a Visiting Scholar in the College of Design at the University of Minnesota and Visiting Professor in the Center for 21st Century Universities at Georgia Institute of Technology. He is a licensed architect with a Masters of Architecture from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He has led architectural practices serving campuses in the US and Canada, and was University Architect for the University of Missouri System and University of Arizona.
[x] Article accessed on April 16, 2019: https://www.chronicle.com/interactives/Trend19-MegaU-Main
[xi] Article accessed on April 16, 2019: https://www.lincolninst.edu/sites/default/files/pubfiles/1285_wiewel_final.pdf
[xii] Article accessed on April 16, 2019: https://www.fastcompany.com/3046299/this-is-the-future-of-college
[xiii] Article accessed on April 16, 2019: https://www.govtech.com/education/higher-ed/Why-Micro-Credentials-Universities.html
[xiv] Article accessed on April 16, 2019: https://global.arizona.edu/micro-campus
[xv] Article accessed on April 16, 2019: https://evolllution.com/revenue-streams/global_learning/a-new-global-model-the-micro-campus
[xvi] Article accessed on April 16, 2019: https://www.chronicle.com/article/The-Future-Is-Now-15/140479
[xvii] Article accessed on April 16, 2019: https://evolllution.com/revenue-streams/market_opportunities/looking-to-2040-anticipating-the-future-of-higher-education
[xviii] Article accessed on April 16, 2019: https://www.eypae.com/publication/2017/future-college-campus
[xix] Article accessed on April 16, 2019: https://edtechmagazine.com/higher/article/2019/02/digital-transformation-quest-rethink-campus-operations
[xx] Article accessed on April 16, 2019: https://ilovemyarchitect.com/?s=smart+buildings
[xxi] Article accessed on April 16, 2019: https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2018/04/college-online-degree-blended-learning/557642
[xxii] Article accessed on April 16, 2019: https://qz.com/1191619/amazon-is-becoming-its-own-university
[xxiii] Article accessed on April 16, 2019: https://www.fastcompany.com/3029109/5-bold-predictions-for-the-future-of-higher-education
[xxiv] Article accessed on April 16, 2019: https://www.acenet.edu/the-presidency/columns-and-features/Pages/state-funding-a-race-to-the-bottom.aspx
We would love to hear from you about what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
What About Public Private Partnerships? #ilmaBlog #HigherEducation #P3 #PPP #University #Architect
Posted: March 22, 2019 Filed under: Architecture, Campus Planning & Design, Education, Higher Education - Architecture & Design, University | Tags: Architect, Architecture, Assets, Budgeting, Business, College, Construction, Delivery Methods, Delivery Models, Design, Developer, Education, Expertise, Facilities, Finance, Higher Education, MBA, P3, Partnership, Private, project management, Public Sector, Risk Management, Strategic Partnerships, Student Housing, Turn Key, Turn Key operation, University Architect Leave a comment
Background on Public Private Partnerships (P3’s):
Many institutions of higher education are facing mounting pressure on their mission to deliver high-quality, affordable education to students and perform world-class research. Reductions in public funding support and concerns about overall affordability present substantial near-term and longer-term budget challenges for many institutions.
Public institutions are predominantly affected, having been constrained by suspensions or reductions in state funding. State appropriations across the US grew by just 0.5% annually between 2005 and 2015. State funding has still not recovered to 2008 levels, the last year in which state funding decisions would not have been affected by the Great Recession.
(Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — state appropriations revenue divided by total fall enrollment, 2005–15)
Public-private partnership models are continuing to proliferate as cash-strapped colleges and universities seek to replace or update aging and outdated infrastructure amid tight finances.
(Source: Proliferating Partnerships)
What is the P3 Delivery Model?
A public-private partnership, or P3, is long-term agreement between a public entity and a private industry team that is tasked with designing, building, financing, operating and maintaining a public facility. The past decade has seen a steady increase in the use of P3 structures, both inside and outside higher education. In 2016, something of a watershed year for P3, multiple high-profile projects came online in response to a variety of public needs, including a $1-billion-plus water infrastructure project servicing San Antonio, and a $300-million-plus renovation of the Denver International Airport’s Great Hall.
(Source: A Few Lessons About Public-Private Partnerships)
“Public” is a non-profit institutional or governmental entity that engages a “private” for-profit entity to pay for a particular project.
The “private” partner provides funding (and often expertise) to deliver (and often operate) the project used by the “public” entity to meet its purposes.
In return for its capital, the “private” entity gets a revenue flow from the asset it has paid for.
(Source: Should your University enter into a Public/Private Partnership – the Pro’s and Con’s)
The emergence of the P3 option is happening where it matters most: projects that would be otherwise unattainable under the traditional public-improvement delivery models. For instance, 10 years ago, only a handful of higher education P3 projects were up and running; today, we are approaching three dozen such projects.
The biggest challenge is, of course, the financing component, but P3 teams bring much more to the table than money — they give public entities access to expertise and innovation that can add significant value to projects at each phase of development.
(Source: A Few Lessons About Public-Private Partnerships)
Illustration of Institutional Functions
Motivations for P3 transactions vary widely, but include:
- Supplementing traditional debt instruments. These include private capital, using off balance sheet or alternative mechanisms.
- Transfer of risk. Historically, universities have born all or most of the risk of facilities-related projects themselves. A P3 is a way to either transfer or at least share the risk.
- Speed and efficiency. A P3 allows for a faster development process, and time to completion is generally shorter and on schedule. The sole focus of the private entity is to complete the project on budget and on time. University infrastructure tends to have competing priorities across all-campus facility needs.
- Outsourcing provision of non-core assets. Outsourcing allows institutions to focus investment of internal resources and capabilities on those functions that are closer to the academic needs of its students.
- Experience. Private partners often have much more experience and skills in a particular development area (e.g., facility architecture and infrastructure, student housing needs) and are able to better accommodate the needs of students, faculty, administrators, etc.
- Planning and budgeting. Private partners offer experience and know-how in long-term maintenance planning and whole life cycle budgeting.
(Source: Public-private partnerships in higher education What is right for your institution?)
The four types of P3s:
- Operating contract/management agreement. Short- to medium-term contract with private firm for operating services
- Ground lease/facility lease. Long-term lease with private developer who commits to construct, operate and maintain the project
- Availability payment concession. Long-term concession with private developer to construct, operate, maintain and finance the project in exchange for annual payments subject to abatement for nonperformance
- Demand-risk concession. Long-term concession with private developer to construct, operate, maintain and finance the project in exchange for rights to collect revenues related to the project
Pro’s and Con’s of P3’s:
Since their emergence in student housing several years ago, P3s have become important strategies for higher education institutions because of the many benefits they offer, including:
- Lower developer costs
- Developer expertise
- Operational expertise
- Access to capital
- Preservation of debt capacity
- More favorable balance sheets and credit statements
- Risk mitigation
- Faster procurement and project delivery (It can typically take a university about 5 years to get a project built. With a P3, that process can be reduced to just 2 years. Additionally, P3s can save approximately 25% in costs compared to typical projects.)
Beyond the above, the indirect advantages of P3s in student housing are numerous, such as they:
- Provide better housing for students
- Expand campus capacity
- Create high-quality facilities
- Expand the tax base for both a city and county
- Provide an economic boost to surrounding areas, which likely lead to private growth and other improvements
It is important to note that, while there are many benefits of P3s for higher education institutions, these agreements also have disadvantages that need to be considered, including:
- High cost of capital
- Reduced control for the university
- Complexity of deals
- Multi-party roles and responsibilities
- Limitation on future university development
(Source: Student Housing A Hot Sector For Public-Private Partnerships)

A LOOK AHEAD
Where Are We Heading?
- More political involvement and pressure to consider P3
- Pre-development Risks – Many projects failing to close
- Issues with Construction Pricing & Labor Shortages
- An increasing number of developers are getting in the on-campus business; however, developers are being more strategic on which projects/procurements to respond to
- Exploration of other sources of funds like tax credits, USDA, and opportunity zones
- Shared governance continues to grow
- Larger, more complex P3 projects including long term concessions, availability payment models, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Bundling of Procurements (food, housing (including faculty), academic buildings, hotel, energy, facility maintenance, etc.)
Further Reading:
- State of the P3 Higher Education Industry by Brailsford & Dunlavey http://programmanagers.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/P3-State-of-the-Industry-Final_Small.pdf
- Should your University enter into a Public/Private Partnership – the Pro’s and Con’s https://edualliancegroup.blog/2017/06/26/should-your-university-enter-into-a-publicprivate-partnership-the-pros-and-cons
- No Free Lunch: The Pros and Cons of Public-Private Partnerships for Infrastructure Financing https://www.brookings.edu/blog/up-front/2017/02/09/no-free-lunch-the-pros-and-cons-of-public-private-partnerships-for-infrastructure-financing
We would love to hear from you about what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
History of Architecture
Posted: October 9, 2018 Filed under: Architecture, Design, More FC3 | Tags: Architecture, Education, History, History of Architecture Leave a commentJacqueline Gargus is a professor of architecture at the Knowlton School. Educated at Wellesley College and the University of Pennsylvania, she joined the Knowlton School faculty in 1988. She has also taught at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and has been a Senior Research Fellow at the Bauhaus Universität, Weimar, and the Technical University of Vienna. She is the author of Ideas of Order: A Formal Approach to Architecture (Kendall Hunt, 1994) and the multimedia digital video textbook, Architectural History 1, produced by iTunes University. Her most recent book is Architecture Guide: China (2016), co-authored with Evan Chakroff and Addison Godel.
Follow this link for access to over 40 youtube videos that take you from antiquity through mid-1800’s.
History of Architecture Youtube Playlist
If you just cannot get enough (like me) click here for another 100 episodes: iTunes History of Architecture Course
We would love to hear from you about what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends.
Feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
An Introduction to the Architecture of the Italian Renaissance By Classical Architect and Artist @FTerryArchitect #RIBA #Architecture #Education #ilmaBlog
Posted: August 17, 2018 Filed under: Architecture, More FC3, Video | Tags: Architect, Architecture, Classical, Classical Architecture, Design, Education, History, italian renaissance, Renaissance, riba, video, youtube Leave a commentEarlier this year UK-based Francis Terry MA (Cantab), Dip Arch, RIBA Director, gave his office a wonderful presentation I would like to share with my audience:
Francis is part of a new generation of classical architects who have recently gained a reputation for designing high quality works of architecture. Francis’s pursuit of architecture grew out of his passion for drawing and his love of historic buildings. He studied architecture at Cambridge University qualifying in 1994. While at Cambridge, he used his architectural skills to design numerous stage sets for various dramatic societies including The Footlights, The Cambridge Opera Society and The European Theatre Group.
Terry along with his colleague also talk about classical architecture in modern times at a recent TEDx Talk:
More Information available by clicking here. Not only does his website display great examples of classical architecture but he has a great blog with interesting writings and videos.
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
Higher Education
Posted: July 23, 2018 Filed under: Architectist, Architecture, Design, Education, Higher Education - Architecture & Design, More FC3, Safety, Science & Technology, University | Tags: Architect, Architecture, Campus, College, Design, Education, Higher Education, Planner, University, University Architect Leave a commentBlog Posts Related to Higher Education
- Library of the Future – For Colleges & Universities
- Mansueto Library by JAHN
- Creative Arts Center at Brown University by Diller Scofidio + Renfro
- What is a High Performance School?
- Architect’s Sketchbook – Montclair State University (Sketches by @FrankCunhaIII, 2017)
- 13 Examples of Green Architecture
- WELL Communities: Health & Wellness Lifestyle
- You Know LEED, But Do You Know WELL?
- The 2030 Challenge for Planning @Arch2030
- What is The 2030 Challenge? @Arch2030
- Smart Cities
- Top 20: Technology & Innovation Ideas For Architects
- What Can Architects Do To Design Safer Classrooms For Our Children? Part 1: Door Security Guidelines
- What Can Architects Do To Design Safer Classrooms For Our Children? Part 2: Ideas & Safety Tips For Schools
- What Can Architects Do To Design Safer Classrooms For Our Children? Part 3 Actions We Can Take To Promote Safe And Successful Schools
- What Can Architects Do To Design Safer Classrooms For Our Children? Part 4: Safety Guidelines For Schools
My Higher Education Projects
- New Computer Science Facility for College of Science & Mathematics
- School of Nursing & Graduate School
- New Research Facility, Montclair State University
- Conrad J. Schmitt Hall Renovation, Montclair State University
- Frank Sinatra Hall, Montclair State University
- Music School, Montclair State University
- Student Recreation Center, Montclair State University
- College Hall (In Progress)
- Conceptual Design – Adaptive Re-Use of Existing Cogeneration Plant
- Conceptual Design – Study Atrium
- Small Project – Successful Conversion (Tech Classrooms) Before & After
- New Center for Environmental Life Sciences
- Babbio Center, Stevens Institute of Technology
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
Mansueto Library by JAHN
Posted: July 10, 2018 Filed under: Architecture, Higher Education - Architecture & Design, More FC3, Science & Technology, University | Tags: Architect, Architecture, Chicago, College, conservation, Design, Designer, digitization, Education, Grand Reading Room, Helmut Jahn, Inspiration, Library, Library of the Future, School, state-of-the-art, Sustainability, Technology, University, USA Leave a commentJAHN is an international architectural firm with over 75 years of experience that has achieved critical recognition and won numerous awards. JAHN’s ability to integrate design creativity and corporate professionalism makes it a leading firm in global design Innovation.
The Joe and Rika Mansueto Library opened at the heart of the University of Chicago campus in 2011. It features a soaring elliptical glass dome capping a 180-seat Grand Reading Room, state-of-the-art conservation and digitization laboratories, and an underground high-density automated storage and retrieval system. The Mansueto Library speeds scholarly productivity by allowing for the retrieval of materials within an average time of 3 minutes through use of robotic cranes. Designed by renowned architect Helmut Jahn, the Mansueto Library has been recognized with a Distinguished Building Citation of Merit by the American Institute of Architects’ Chicago chapter and a Patron of the Year Award by the Chicago Architecture Foundation.
Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
Architect: JAHN
Lead Designer: Helmut Jahn
Area: 58,700 SF
Project Year: 2011
The site in the center of theUniversity of Chicago’s Campus is surrounded by a variety of different buildings. With a mixture of styles, ranging from the gothic quadrangle to the south, the Limestone Brutalism of Netsch’s Regenstein Library to the east, the Henry Moore monument and Legorreta’s colorful Student Housing to the north and a building to the west, which will be replaced by a new Science Building. There is not much to relate to.
The problem was to store 3.5 million books with an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS). The expectations in the brief suggested to house those in a well-designed “Box” above grade. In an effort to infringe as little as possible with the open space, make the Reading Room and the Preservation Department the most pleasant space to be in and in line with our approach to challenge habitual conventions, we opted to put the books below grade, where their environment can be better controlled to achieve the desired constant temperature and humidity of 60 degrees, 30% RH – at less cost. The people-oriented spaces could thus be located at grade in a minimal elliptical glass dome, which fits the context, because it defies conventional relationships.
Murphy Jahn think it has been embraced by the leadership of the University, because it represents the mission of theUniversity of Chicago as catalyst for the advancement of knowledge. It is interesting that this happened at an Institution where the disciplines of Architecture and Engineering are not taught, but a spirit prevails to go beyond where others stop. Science, Physics, the liberal and applied Art start, when others think they are complete.
Once a consensus on the design was reached, the normal process started to solve the problem: comfort and sustainability, light-control, structure, life-safety, operation and maintenance.
The structural grid-shell of 120 x 240 feet and the insulated glazing represent a very minimal and intelligent system for mediating between the varying exterior conditions and the desired interior comfort.
At the interior there is a seamless integration between lighting, air supply and furnishings, which were fabricated in solid European White Oak.
More than anybody the users will benefit from an environment that is pleasant and conductive to study and research. This is not your classical Library, but points to the library of the future.
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
Our Exclusive ILMA Interview with Reginald Thomas
Posted: May 25, 2018 Filed under: Architecture, ILMA Interview, More FC3 | Tags: Aesthetics, African American, African-American Architect, African-American Architecture, Amazon Prime, America Has Talent, Architect, Architectural Design, Architecture Interview, Architecture School, Art, Associate, Church, College, conformitas, Construction, Construction Management, Contractor, Corporate, Creative, Creativity, Degree, Design, Designer, Diversity, Education, Entrepeneur, Equity, Exclusive, Experience, FC3, Home Design, ILMA, Innovation, interior design, Interiors, Interview, Island Architecture, Italy, Knowledge, Leader, Leadership, linkedin, Lisa Middleton, Love, management, New Construction, New Jersey, New York, NYC, NYCity, professional, Reginald Thomas, Residential, Retweet, Rome, RT, Share, South Bronx, Success, Talent, Technology, Urban, UrbanAesthetics, utilitas, venustas, Vitruvius, Wisdom 1 CommentNew York, New Jersey Reginald L. Thomas, AIA has garnered over twenty years’ experience working with a diverse group of distinguished architectural/design firms in New York City. Reginald L. Thomas Architect LLC specializes in historically based, high-end, residential projects. Recently, he has added commercial and institutional work to the firm’s diverse clientele. His work has been featured in several prestigious publications, notably The New York Times and Architectural Digest.
Web | Blog | Facebook | LinkedIn | Houzz
ILMA INTERVIEW
When and why did you decide to become an Architect?
- I’ve wanted to be an architect since I was 10 years old. During a weekend visit to the local art store to purchase paints, a how to book on architectural rendering caught my eye. I remember thinking that the floor plans seemed magical.
- We can thank Mike Brady, of the then popular Sitcom, the Brady Bunch, for that. My first introduction to renderings and models came from watching the episodes after school and I was hooked.
- Growing up in New York City, however, I visited the Museum of Natural History and MOMA regularly. I was fascinated by the dioramas at the Museum of Natural History and the artwork at the MOMA and so at first, I dreamt of being an artist and being able to create this kind of beauty.
What were some of the challenges of achieving your dream?
- I grew up in the South Bronx, so the first challenge was of course, money. I fretted about how I was going to pay for college or even how I was going to apply to college. It was stressful to think that I would have to help my siblings after college and therefore not be able to realize my own dreams.
Any memorable clients or project highlights?
- I’ve had the pleasure of working with corporate giants, entertainment and sports celebrities as well as hard working people who are interested in living in beautiful spaces. All are special to me. Each project has its own individual story However, I have had clients that allowed me to design and build every inch of their space including the furniture. That’s amazing in today’s climate.
How does your family support what you do?
- College was a priority in my household as both my parents attended college. My dad for his Associates Degree and my mother for her Master’s in Education. , Although I did not have money I had an abundance of support for what I wanted to accomplish and an expectation that I get there.
How do Architects measure success?
- I believe versatility is a skill we all value as designers. We build projects that are beautiful as well as functional. Being able to create an aesthetically pleasing space to satisfy each of my client’s specific taste and at the same time ensuring that it functions is its own reward.
What matters most to you in design?
- Like Vitruvius conformitas, utilitas, venustas, which is harder than we think. But on a global scale, how important this component we create affects the fabric of the built environment fabric.
What do you hope to achieve over the next 2 years? 5 years?
- To grow my business using all of the experience I’ve garnered over the last 30 years in multiple jurisdictions.
- Like most artists, I also wish to push the barriers of my creativity while remaining true to the traditional and timeless nature of my designs.
Who is your favorite Architect? Why?
- Paul Rudolph for salesmanship, talent, and cultural navigation skills which were beyond belief
- Frank Lloyd for his skill, as well as his ability to convince his clients to be daring and tenacious.
- Julia Morgan for her dedication and ability when she was the only one, and her clients who recognized and rewarded her abilities.
Do you have a coach or mentor?
- Not when I went into business no. However, for development I had two Mr. Richard Dozier and Max Bond Jr.
What is your favorite historic and modern (contemporary) project? Why?
- The Great Pyramids of Giza. They are pure form, functional and beautiful. It was once written by an early 19th century explorer who catalogued the proclivity for ornamentation throughout the known world that what we are able to see of Egyptian Architecture now is this architecture represents the last 2500 of this work in decline, what left of this 5000 year old architectural culture.
- If that be the case, then how much more glorious the architectural vocabulary of this civilization must be. The elements of order including the concept of hyper style halls must be astounding. These are the elements that make an edifice “timeless.”
- Notre Dame du Haut: The building teaches the intangibles of architecture as art. How does one use light as a design element? Most people will never even notice how the intangible shapes made by light in their space let alone the effects on their psychological health.
- The Mildred B Cooper Memorial Chapel: The boundaries that identify characteristics of nature and the difference from manmade structures are so blurred I this building that it is magical. I think in this design he did make his mentor proud. It is truly great work.
Where do you see the profession going over the next few decades?
- I think we are finally reaching the point where we are accepting the fact that we are part of a global community. That means a true understanding, in real time, of the relationship and importance of urban design, architecture and interior design etc. to the human conditions.
- Our use of technology will continue to grow at a rapid pace and architects will be required to leverage their expertise to benefit the world community especially in the areas of sustainability, and resilience.
- I am most excited by the possibility of the profession as the lead, taking on the real-estate profession as developers
What type of technology do you see in the design and construction industries?
- The digital drafting board and smart drafting solutions. The stylus is back, Instant 3d models and the expansion of BIM as a tool.
- Wireless outlets
- ASCII, GPS, LiDAR technology continue to advance. Assisting historic preservation giving a vision of what was formally unseen thereby assisting design and limiting errors.
- 3d modeling, as a tool, will advance to the point that we will grow more independent of contractors and furniture designers
Who / what has been your greatest influence in design?
- The reading of a Pattern Language. The book continues to teach me to think in layers until I get to the optimum solution.
- Jean Michele Frank: The comprehensive business model that he practiced was one to be envied and to be emulated.
- My mentors Max Bond and Richard Dozier.
- New York City designers that I’ve work for like Peter Marino and Juan Montoya
Which building or project type would you like to work on that you haven’t been part of yet?
- A Place of worship on an island site
How do you hope to inspire / mentor the next generation of Architects?
- I hope to inspire the next generation through visibility. African-American descent represents a very small part of the architectural demographics.
- I hope to write treatise and guides thereby leaving a guide to others to build on.
- My suggestion always is to be assiduous; to be relentless, recognizing that this is a lifelong area of study, one that requires . “long distance runners.”
What advice would you give aspiring architects (K-12)? College students? Graduates?
- The best advice for K-12 is to engage with architects when they come in to your schools on career days. It is important as this stage to really get a clear understanding of what an architect does and the value of architects’ play in their daily lives.
- College students: Provide information and honest dialogue on expectations after graduation; how to set reasonable and attainable goals, and lastly the many ways to measure success.
- Financial guidance on how to plan for a secure retirement.
- Explain what it means to own one’s own firm.
What does Architecture mean to you?
- Architecture is life. It is the culmination of the aspirations of the human condition at different time periods.
- Architecture means being conscious of the places and spaces we occupy as humans. It’s being in the unique position of being able to effect change in the communities welive in a way that is unique to no other profession
What is your design process?
- Client interview: Do more listening than writing.
- Who or what community am I designing for.
- Identify client particulars not just in program but culturally. How does the client perceive and use space. What is the corporate or family dynamic?
- Where am I being asked to design?
- What are the constraints of the site or space?
- How do I make it function perfectly and at the same time be beautiful?
If you could not be an Architect, what would you be?
- Apart from very early on when I wanted to be an artist I have never given thought to being anything else, however, if you were to ask my father, a surgeon would have been his preference.
What is your dream project?
- One that encompasses urban planning, landscape architecture, architecture as sculpture, interior design and furniture design; the complete package in the vernacular of the local culture.
What advice do you have for future Executive leaders?
- Seek out and work with like-minded people who share your vision and whom you can trust to honestly evaluate, and counsel you. Also, do not be afraid to delegate or share responsibility giving you the time and space you need as the leader to imagine and create.
What are three key challenges you face as a leader in business today and one trend you see in your industry?
- The challenge of finding curious and willing junior staff who are willing to put in the long hours needed to really learn the ins and outs of the profession.
- Loyalty
- Finding staff that is willing to learn how to build, even, by drawing the components rather than by cutting and pasting.
- My hope is that with the advances in Wacom Tablet technology we will have monitors as drafting boards and stylus as pencils causing the young architect to unconsciously pay more attention to what and how the building is being created.
What one thing must an executive leader be able to do to be successful in the next 3 years?
- The executive leader must to be able to leverage the power of the internet and especially social media
What are some executive insights you have gained since you have been sitting in the executive leadership seat – or what is one surprise you have encountered as the world of business continues to morph as we speak?
- I have been surprised at how much television, social media and the internet have impacted the decisions we now make as leaders.
Final Thoughts on How to Be Successful?
- Improving and adapting are keys to longevity and to success. Be relentless in your desire to grow and learn recognizing that learning is a lifelong pursuit.
For more exclusive ILMA interviews click here.
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments – and – if you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
FRANK CUNHA III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
YOU DECIDE – What Is Beautiful?
Posted: March 5, 2013 Filed under: Isms, More FC3 | Tags: Creativity, Education, Family, Free Range Kids, Fun, School, Seth Godin Leave a comment“This is the old approach to LEGO toys. It failed because it required too much risk on the part of parents and kids—the risk of making something that wasn’t perfect or expected.”
Read more here about educating our children.
My Child’s LEGO project:
Click here to learn more about our LEGO project.
Also Check Out:
- Seth Godin on NPR Talks About Free-Range Kids: Being One, Raising Some
- I Am Only Fanatical About Family
- Meet the Cunha Boys Podcast
- Meet the Cunha Boys
We would love to hear from you on what you think about this post. We sincerely appreciate all your comments.
If you like this post please share it with friends. And feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss ideas for your next project!
Sincerely,
Frank Cunha III
I Love My Architect – Facebook
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