Campus planning framework approved

Artist's rendering of the Sexton Learning Commons.

After two years of consultations and several phases of work, the final Framework Plan for Dalhousie’s Campus Master Plan was approved unanimously by the Board of Governors Monday afternoon.

The ambitious document maps out a vision for Dalhousie’s physical space over the next decade, anticipating development to address both unmet needs and future challenges. Among its recommendations are bold changes for University Avenue; a new series of Learning Commons "Hubs" to facilitate student study, services and leisure; and refocusing and intensifying space usage across Dalhousie’s three campuses.

President Tom Traves stressed to the Board that the plan, as its name suggests, is a framework for future growth, not a commitment to all of the projects described within. Approval and financing for individual projects will be done "building by building, block by block, project by project."

"It creates a vision for how the campus would unfold, and provides a variety of ideas on where it will unfold, but ultimately the future will determine that," he added.

The plan was presented to the Board by Larry Sherman, founding director of IBI Group, who worked as consultants on the project.

"It represents a consensus of a number of organizations and individuals, and is flexible enough for Dalhousie to use as its framework in the years ahead," he said. He also noted the extensive consultation both within the Dalhousie community and with external stakeholders—including the neighbourhood and HRM—that went into the plan.

In describing the document’s vision, Mr. Sherman stressed Dalhousie’s position as a "contemporary urban university," one laid out in a linear design with dispersed open space that needs greater cohesion. The plan framework envisions the university as a national and international centre of excellence in both research and academics; as the focus of a diverse urban centre in Halifax; and as a leader in environmental sustainability in design. He also emphasized that Dalhousie won’t have to consider significant acquisitions to accommodate its strategic objectives. "You don’t need to acquire a mass of land. What you need to do is build more intensely."

The full Framework Plan is available online. Some highlights:

University Avenue

Mr. Sherman stressed that revitalizing University Avenue is "something everyone has told us from day one to do." The plan positions the street as the primary gateway to campus, relocating both directions of traffic and parking to the south lane while reserving the north lane as a new "active transportation corridor" for pedestrian and other use.

Learning "Hubs"

In describing the "Hub" model of learning spaces, Mr. Sherman talked about changing student attitudes towards learning. "When we talked to students, they say that they’re learning more outside of the classroom...they need to ask questions and have discussion amongst themselves." The plan envisions four Hubs—in the LSC, Killam Library, and one each on Carleton and Sexton campuses—that will combine learning resources, lounges and food services, and student and faculty services in support of independent study and social interaction.

Studley Campus

The plan suggests that Dalhousie should acquire the end of University Avenue in front of the Killam Library and turn it into a lower quad of open space. It also suggests significant renovations for the Killam Library. Projects for Studley campus already in the early planning stages—such as the expansion of Dalplex and a new multi-use residence—are included in the framework.

Carleton Campus

Dalhousie’s smallest campus has some of its greatest space demands, and the need for both research and teaching facilities is likely to increase. The plan envisions two high-rise buildings beside the Tupper Link, built in a phased process, for when the university begins to develop the area. "It’s an idea that will need nurturing, detailing and funding," said Mr. Sherman. "But it’s an area with such demand."

Sexton Campus

The plan positions Sexton as the university’s "downtown campus," an urban centre of professional schools, continuing and executive education and diversified student residences. It envisions the proposed IDEA building in the middle of the campus to house its learning hub, as well as connect the Schools of Architecture and Planning with its Engineering facilities. It also notes significant potential for collaboration with HRM in land use along Queen Street.

DISCUSSION: How do you feel about the direction of the university as expressed through the Campus Master Plan?