Maximizing Impact: Leveraging Small Spaces and Budgets for Big Campus Returns

In an era of constrained budgets and rising costs, universities are finding innovative ways to create high-impact spaces that enhance student engagement and campus vibrancy—without breaking the bank. This session will explore how institutions can leverage small spaces and even smaller budgets to deliver on their mission while maximizing financial and community returns.

Through a mix of case studies and expert insights, panelists will discuss:

  • How thoughtful placemaking can transform underutilized areas into thriving student hubs.
  • The financial benefits of well-designed, high-traffic spaces, including their impact on rental revenue and campus value.
  • Strategies for partnering with industry leaders to stretch limited budgets and enhance student experience.
  • Real-world examples, including a 7,500-square-foot space built for just $1.5M that has become a campus hotspot, drawing both residents and the broader student body.

Join university leaders and industry partners passionate about placemaking as they unpack the financial and social value of smart space design—and how even the smallest investments can make a big difference.

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