Reflections #18: 2005 to Present: Co-Chair BSA/SCUP College + University Roundtable

BSA/SCUP College + University Roundtable is a Knowledge Committee of the Boston Society for Architecture (BSA), the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). It brings together members from the BSA and SCUP (Society for College and University Planners) to share thought leadership in topics relevant to higher education. Members are typically planners, architects and allied professionals. I think that one of my “superpowers” is a desire to share higher ed planning and design information with my professional colleagues. For over 25 years, the BSA/SCUP College + University Roundtable has provided a forum for sharing knowledge on a variety of issues important to architecture, planning and design for higher education. Co-chairing the committee has given me tremendous satisfaction.

Known familiarly as BSA/SCUP, the committee was first started by @Donna Denio and two other BSA and SCUP members. I joined a few years later and have Co-Chaired the committee with Donna since then. In 2000, just prior to the Pandemic, @Niusha Arndt joined as a third Co-Chair.

Over the years, we have organized sessions on a variety of topics and held our presentations in spaces on nearby campuses to take advantage of the rich and diverse campus venues we have in the Boston area.?During the Pandemic we moved to virtual presentations, allowing us to expand our reach and offer more opportunities for out-of-town speakers. Moving forward, it is our hope that the sessions will be both in-person and virtual sessions to take advantage of being on campuses, and also expanding our reach to a larger audience.

Topics have included issues both broad and focused, including: technology for learning; LEAN construction, diversity, equity and inclusion; research lab planning and design, sustainability, net-zero planning, trends in student housing, new approaches to learning commons, and defining “student success”. During the Pandemic, we explored topics to address issues brought about in response to changing needs posed by Covid.

Being able to identify topics, engage panelists, and share ideas with others has given me great pleasure for many years. I have learned a lot in the process. I enjoy engaged and thoughtful interactions amongst the attendees at the sessions. Check out previous sessions, and look for upcoming sessions at https://www.architects.org