Maximizing “Space Value” with Renovations and Reprogramming

Ian Adamson and Jeff DeGregorio along with Andrew Magre from Cornell University presented at the Tradeline Space Strategies Conference on October 1st and 2nd 2012. In the presentation, “Research: Maximizing “space value” with rationalized renovations and reprogramming,” the presenters answered the question, “How do you choose between competing space reuse initiatives to maximize space value for science programs?” The presentation took the audience through a 16 month long utilization and planning study for the College of Engineering at Cornell University which started in late 2010.

Key takeaways from the presentation include the following:
1)  Processes for analyzing existing space utilization: The panel explained the various tools for determining the multiple qualifiers for measuring utilization. From the shoes on the ground physical surveys to the analysis of the various databases the University already had on hand.

2)  Representing techniques for representing large data sets: The challenge the architects faced was how to the present the large amount of data that was collected in formats that would be easily understood by the senior administration so that very complex issues could be represented in a clear and concise manner. The panel walked the audience through many examples of the tools used by the team, successfully and some not so.

3)  Strategies for uncovering strategic areas for renovation and increased Capacity-Chunk Theory: How to identify spaces using the analysis and determining more than a couple of rooms that can be renovated with a scale that reduces square foot costs. Clearing a floor or a wing of a building that provides for new faculty hires and at the same time reinforces a master plan for the complex of buildings that support renewal on a limited budget.

Other issues that were part of the presentation were discussions around ‘fit to function’ of existing facilities, incorporation of deferred maintenance, departmental connections and evolving synergies, realities of the first two implementation projects.