Top 7 Campus Design Trends Revolutionizing HigherEd in 2024

Campus design trends in 2024 are transforming higher education environments, driven by evolving student demographics, technology advancements and a strong emphasis on creating inclusive and engaging campuses. These trends go beyond mere aesthetics, but rather focus on technology-driven, smart, sustainable and student-centric campus environments.  

This trend is even more crucial given the latest data by National Center for Education Statistics, where overall undergraduate numbers dropped slightly and the growth in adult learners (25+) emphasize the importance of creating versatile campus spaces that cater to diverse students. 

Design Trends That Are Making Waves

Here are the top 7 higher education campus design trends and campus design ideas in 2024.

1. Emphasis on Flexible Learning Spaces

In 2024, university campuses are increasingly prioritizing flexible learning environments that can be easily adapted to diverse teaching and learning methods, empowering both students and educators. These spaces are designed to be modular, allowing for quick reconfiguration to support different learning styles, whether it be traditional lectures, individual or group study. For example, the study “Classroom perception in higher education: The impact of spatial factors on student satisfaction in lecture versus active learning classrooms,” has demonstrated better student performance and satisfaction in flexible learning environments. 

Harvard University’s Science and Engineering Complex in Cambridge, Massachusetts is a beautiful new facility that features flexible learning spaces and labs that can be easily reconfigured to suit different teaching and research needs.

2. Integration of Technology-Enhanced Spaces

Source: Stanford University Virtual Human Interaction Lab

As per  WiFiTalents statistics “90% of higher education institutions consider VR an essential part of their future educational strategy.” Campuses are introducing augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to enrich their campus and education experience. Smart boards are replacing traditional whiteboards and digital signage is offering dynamic and interactive information throughout the campus. For example, Stanford University’s Virtual Human Interaction Lab in Stanford, California uses VR to study human behaviour and improve learning experiences through immersive technology. 

In addition to integrating classroom-focused technology, many universities are leveraging location-based technology to enhance on-site navigation and create a user-friendly campus experience. For example, the University of Windsor in Windsor, Ontario has integrated Mapsted’s advanced location-based services to make it possible for everyone to navigate the campus with confidence and ease. An easily downloadable app guides students, staff, faculty and visitors across the sprawling campus with turn-by-turn instructions. Moreover, the technology offers a voice-guided navigation feature, highlighting wheelchair-friendly routes and providing detailed information about accessible entrances and facilities.

3. Sustainable and Green Design Practices

Source: Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability

Sustainability is a growing focus in campus design trends 2024. Universities are aiming to reduce their environmental footprint. This includes the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems and the incorporation of green spaces that promote wellness and sustainability. These initiatives reduce environmental impact and also educate students about sustainable practices. A example is the University of British Columbia’s Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability in Vancouver, BC. The university is well-known for its green building practices. 

The facility has achieved LEED Platinum certification and numerous sustainability awards. It has a sustainable modern design which includes rainwater harvesting, solar panels, regenerative elevator, green roof and natural ventilation systems.

4. Health and Wellness-Oriented Designs

Source: Cornell Tech Campus

Creating an environment that is welcoming and supports the physical and mental well-being of students has become a priority. This includes the design of spaces that encourage physical activity, provide access to natural light and incorporate natural elements such as indoor plants and green walls. Research shows that exposure to the outdoors and natural light can lead to better mood, reduced stress and improved cognitive function.

Cornell Tech Campus on Roosevelt Island in New York City, for example, integrates wellness-oriented design. Details include extensive green spaces and wellness facilities. These promote the health and wellness of its community.

5. Enhanced Outdoor Learning Environments

Source: Duke University

Outdoor spaces are increasingly being utilized for learning, providing a refreshing alternative to traditional indoor classrooms. Not surprisingly, research by the National Library of Medicine and ScienceDirect reveal that outdoor learning significantly improves student engagement, critical thinking and creativity skills. 

These environments are designed to support various educational activities, from outdoor lectures to hands-on environmental science projects. Duke University’s Smart Home project in Durham, North Carolina, features outdoor classrooms and labs featuring rainwater collection systems, solar panels and interactive displays that support sustainability education and hands-on learning in a natural setting. 

6. Focus on Community and Collaboration

Source: MIT Stata Center

Many contemporary university campuses design feature numerous collaborative spaces designed to foster community, innovation and cooperation among students and faculty. Institutes are aiming for open-plan study areas, communal lounges and multipurpose spaces for a variety of activities that give students the sense of community on campus. 

The MIT’s Stata Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts is a perfect example of this trend. Its unique architecture promotes collaboration and interaction, with shared facilities, open spaces and flexible layouts that promotes serendipitous encounters and spontaneous collaboration. 

7. Anticipating Future Needs with Adaptable Infrastructure

Source: Pavilion at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania 

Designing university campuses with future adaptability in mind is essential for keeping pace with the technological trends and changing educational approaches. This involves creating infrastructure that can be easily updated or expanded as needed. For example, the Pavilion at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,  is a teaching hospital and medical school that features modular construction enabling quick reconfiguration to meet future needs.  

These future trends in campus facility design are essential, ensuring longevity and relevance in educational environments.

Conclusion

These higher education design trends are being adopted by colleges and universities of all sizes to meet the needs of modern day students and technology. By equipping their campus with smart technology solutions, sustainability, inclusivity, student-centered spaces, better engagement, data-driven management and flexible learning spaces, universities can create efficient, vibrant and future-ready campuses.

Ready to take your campus into the future? See Mapsted in action! Watch our video on Indoor Navigation for University Campuses or read our informative blog on 5 Ways Technology Increases Student Engagement in Higher Education to learn more about how Mapsted is revolutionizing the way students learn and navigate on campus.