Event Blog

Southern California Development Forum brings value through educational, networking and philanthropic events around current developments in the A/E/C world.  Read all about our recent events here.

<< First  < Prev   1   2   3   4   5   ...   Next >  Last >> 
  • 03/06/2024 4:14 PM | The Hoyt Organization (Administrator)

    Members of the Southern California Development Forum (SCDF) convened on February 13th, 2024, at the California Club in Los Angeles to unpack the rapidly evolving world of higher education satellite campuses with moderator Deborah Wylie and featured panelists Robert Schulz, Associate Vice President of Real Estate Planning and Development for SDSU and Peter Hendrickson, AIA; Associate Vice Chancellor of Design and Construction at UCLA, for the February 2024 event.

    Satellite campuses have emerged as pivotal instruments for extending the influence and efficacy of universities. From mitigating existing infrastructure impediments at an educational institution’s primary campus to nurturing innovation and promoting equity and sustainability, these campuses are fundamentally reshaping the trajectory and accessibility of education.

    Overcoming Infrastructure Hurdles

    UCLA boasts a distinguished legacy spanning over a century, standing tall as a beacon of perpetual academic excellence and innovation. However, even with its illustrious history and esteemed reputation, UCLA contends with significant infrastructure challenges, including deferred maintenance for seismic mitigation, all stemming from funding constraints. The university grapples with a daunting $2 billion (about $6 per person in the US) backlog, necessitating novel and strategic approaches to sustain its growth and expansion, and to ensure the university continues to provide a quality education to students across the board.

    In contrast lies San Diego State University (SDSU), a venerable educational institution with a 126-year heritage, firmly rooted in the southernmost reaches of California. Operating on a budget merely a fraction of that of UC institutions, state schools like SDSU face an uphill battle when it comes to growth and renovations.

    Meanwhile, in the bustling city of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) plays a pivotal role in democratizing access to higher education and fostering socioeconomic progress across Los Angeles County. Like UCLA and SDSU, LACCD encounters funding hurdles and the uphill challenge of swiftly erecting facilities to meet the growing demands of students and communities.

    Expanding Reach and Accessibility: The Ascendance of Satellite Campuses

    One of the country’s earliest satellite campuses dates back to the University of Wisconsin-Madison's establishment of an experimental "Junior College Center" in 1935; making it the precursor to the modern satellite campus paradigm. Conceived to afford access to higher education for students unable to traverse to the main campus, this initiative laid the groundwork for a global proliferation of satellite campuses, empowering universities to broaden their educational footprint and democratize access.

    In Southern California, the likes of UCLA, SDSU, and LACCD have embraced the incorporation of satellite campuses into their frameworks. These campuses play an instrumental role in enhancing student body diversity, dismantling barriers to access and opportunity, and amplifying institutional brands.

    “How do we become more of a global university and get it all taken care of so that there's more opportunity? We have a long road to go, but that's going to be key in developing these accounts,” said panelist Peter Hendrickson, AIA; Associate Vice Chancellor of Design and Construction at UCLA.

    The transition of Marymount University to the 24.5-acre UCLA South Bay campus heralds a significant milestone, ushering in broader access to UCLA education in previously untapped communities. Furthermore, their acquisition of the nearby 11-acre navy site in San Pedro, poised to accommodate 500 dorms for students, stands as the largest land acquisition in UCLA's history. The two satellite campuses will allow for instruction for nearly 1,000 students in an otherwise untapped market.

    Concurrently, in Calexico, San Diego State University has expanded its reach with the SDSU Imperial Valley Campus as well as its Brawley satellite campus. The Imperial Valley satellite campus offers a gamut of undergraduate and graduate programs spanning education, business administration, criminal justice, and social work, among others. SDSU Imperial Valley engages with the local community through outreach programs, partnerships, and initiatives aimed at addressing regional needs and catalyzing economic and social development. Similarly, SDSU's Brawley campus tailors its educational offerings to the specific needs of the region, spotlighting sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture; thus, aligning with the geographic and vocational interests of its Brawley student base.

    Though their architectural motifs may vary, these campuses exude a captivating allure, meticulously designed to optimize the student experience.

    “I tell people, you don't know how important architecture is to us. It's on our logo. So, we'll take it super serious,” shared panelist Robert Schulz, Associate Vice President of Real Estate Planning and Development for SDSU.

    Pioneering Change in Los Angeles

    For many, community college serves as the cradle of their higher education odyssey. There to fulfill that need is the Los Angeles Community College District. The LACCD has expanded to include a set of satellite campuses across Los Angeles County, democratizing access to education for a heterogeneous populace. These satellite campuses include unique course sections, specialized programs, and cater to distinctive communities within the district. Thanks to a bond passed by voters in November 2022, $5.3 billion was allocated to support the LACCD’s expansion with $500 million of that going to student housing.

    Between the East Los Angeles College South Gate Campus, the Los Angeles Mission College East Campus, LACCD's Los Angeles Valley College Van Nuys Extension and West Los Angeles College extension, satellite campuses have given LACCD the opportunity to support students who otherwise would’ve been overlooked. Just because they’re satellite campuses doesn’t mean they are any less architecturally marvelous. They each include design elements reflective of their service area and environmentally sustainable features.  Each campus emerges as a vital conduit for delivering educational opportunities that resonate with local communities and their career priorities, producing socioeconomic ascension throughout LA County.

    Innovation and Sustainability at the Helm

    With an audacious pledge to attain carbon neutrality by 2025, the UC system is spearheading satellite campus sustainability endeavors. An unswerving dedication to environmental stewardship is of paramount importance for universities as they chart the course and expand their satellite campus networks, all while garnering community endorsement and ensuring campus vitality along the way.

    Both UCs and Cal State colleges continue to redouble their efforts toward decarbonization, per both Schulz and Hendrickson, underscoring the pivotal role of sustainability in forthcoming campuses. Schulz and Hendrickson went on to share that the communities surrounding their newest satellite locations have expressed a profound vested interest in the environmental ramifications of the new campuses; emphasizing a collective commitment to sustainability.

    The realization of a greener future hinges on collaborative endeavors, the panelists avowed. From trustees to architects to developers, the construction of satellite campuses necessitates concerted collaborative efforts, diverse leadership and community engagement expertise, and an unwavering focus on the local community ethos.

    A Resolute Future for Education

    Satellite campuses embody more than mere physical expansions—they epitomize the essence of progress, innovation, and inclusivity; virtues that every educational institution holds dear. As universities continue to invest in these transformative campuses, they chart a trailblazing trajectory toward a future where education transcends spatial confines. By confronting existing infrastructure challenges, expanding reach and accessibility, embracing innovation and sustainability, and fostering collaboration, satellite campuses are leading the shift in higher education dynamics.

  • 02/01/2024 3:45 PM | The Hoyt Organization (Administrator)

    Members of the Southern California Development Forum (SCDF) convened on January 30 at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles to explore the ever-evolving dynamics of the real estate economy with Larry Kosmont, CEO of Kosmont Companies and the featured speaker for this month’s event. Kosmont provided valuable insights into deciphering post-pandemic trends in California's economy. The event shed light on strategies for navigating economic forecasts amidst shifting government policies, changing public financing dynamics, and evolving private investments. 

    Life in an Ever-Changing World 

    The aftermath of the pandemic has ushered in a new era where individuals are less inclined to venture outside unnecessarily. Kosmont highlighted the critical challenges and opportunities presented by this "new world," emphasizing the need for attractive spaces in suburban communities, shopping centers and urban areas. The upheaval caused by the pandemic has underscored the importance of adaptability in addressing the digital economy's challenges. 

    Hot and Noteworthy Economic Trends 

    The U.S. economy has displayed stronger-than-expected GDP growth, dispelling recession fears. Additionally, low employment and real wage increases have bolstered consumer purchasing power, contributing to a positive employment landscape. Despite a seemingly "boring" economy, positive consumer sentiments- particularly regarding inflation- and GDP growth have marked a return to a more stable economic landscape.  

    Conversely, the economy faces ongoing challenges marked by shifts in the employment landscape that bring about labor cost challenges, and uncertainties introduced by artificial intelligence (AI). Key areas of concern include:  

    • Inflation concerns persist despite a cooling trend, influencing economic decisions.  

    • Capital markets are on a slower recovery path, leading to challenges in project financing, particularly for office and retail properties.  

    • Geopolitical risks loom large with ongoing international conflicts posing potential disruptions.  

    • Housing affordability remains a persistent and critical issue, particularly in Southern California. 

    Experiential and Essential Services: Adaptation in Retail Spaces 

    In the realm of retail, adaptive strategies are becoming increasingly important, according to Kosmont. The concept of "retail-attainment," or blending shopping with entertainment, dining, outdoor amenities, and other experiences, has gained traction to attract and engage customers. Essential services, particularly grocery stores and pharmacies, have demonstrated resilience, retaining steady traffic and demand. The ability to adapt to new consumer demands through enhanced shopping experiences and the exploration of new blended uses is crucial. Even parking lots are being viewed as fields of opportunity, showcasing the need for innovative thinking in retail space utilization. 

    Underperforming Retail Spaces: A Shifting Landscape 

    Conversely, underperforming retail spaces face challenges such as rightsizing needs, with dated malls shifting to a blend of other uses due to the rise of online shopping. The tenant mix in brick-and-mortar retail centers and downtown districts is shifting, with diminishing influence from big-box stores. Pop-ups and co-branded marketing events are becoming more prominent, signaling a changing taste in consumer preferences. Vibrant retail spaces anchored by essentials, experiences/lifestyle, and health/wellness are gaining importance, meanwhile low-end centers face vacancies and impaired valuations slashed, making them ripe for redevelopment. 

    Adaptive Workplaces & Technology: Redefining Work Environments 

    The landscape of workplaces and technology integration is undergoing a profound shift. The traditional office model is not expected to return as the adoption of telework/hybrid work models leads to a demand for smaller, reconfigurable spaces and a reduced need for centralized office locations. Technology-enabled workspaces, marked by investments in tech to facilitate both in-person and remote work, are poised to reshape businesses. Post-pandemic, there is an increased focus on health, safety, comfort, collaboration, and well-being in the workplace. Office conversions are becoming key in urban markets, with suburban areas potentially witnessing office park demolitions and redevelopment into new uses, though this would necessitate significant investment and capital. 

    E-Commerce and Fulfillment: Reshaping Retail Dynamics 

    The rise of e-commerce and fulfillment is reforming retail dynamics as we know them. Sustained growth in online retail is shifting physical stores towards showrooms, necessitating efficient distribution and logistics for delivery with an increased focus on reducing delivery times. Stricter regulations, prompted by community advocacy and increased scrutiny over pollution, traffic, and ecological impacts, are shaping the future of the retail landscape. Residential demands for diverse housing options, particularly affordable and mid-tier options near job centers, are on the rise. The concept of live/work/shop has gained prominence post-pandemic, entirely reshaping housing needs and demands. 

    California's Vision for the Future 

    California stands at a critical juncture, steering through a dynamic, innovation-driven economy. The state's impetus for policy change revolves around three pivotal themes: housing, sustainability, and the regulatory environment. Efforts to foster more density in high-demand areas, reduce parking requirements, and transfer control from local governments to property owners are underway in the housing sector. Sustainability initiatives focus on promoting electric vehicles, developing charging infrastructure, supporting renewable energy generation, cutting emissions, and enhancing climate resiliency. Addressing the regulatory landscape involves tackling the high-tax environment and resolving regulatory hurdles for businesses and consumers. California's challenge lies in finding a balance between costs and benefits, and between requirements and flexibility, to chart a course towards a more prosperous and sustainable future. 

    What’s the future for Los Angeles? 

    Los Angeles faces substantial challenges, including office vacancies, robust industrial demand, and complexities in the housing market. Despite being a top concern, homelessness and affordable housing face resource constraints, with the city potentially facing a budget shortfall of $400 million. 

    Drawing inspiration from San Francisco's center city proposed legislation to form a specialized  Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD), Los Angeles has the potential to leverage tax increments for office-to-residential conversions. This innovative approach could address challenges related to homelessness and affordable housing while streamlining the development process across the city. According to Kosmont, the ongoing development of a Downtown LA EIFD could further contribute to the solution by funding infrastructure, housing, and homelessness initiatives. Simply put, establishing a reliable income stream is imperative for expediting transformative measures necessary to maintain downtown Los Angeles’s vibrancy. 

    All in all, the insights offered in Kosmont’s presentation underscore the need for adaptability and innovation in navigating the complex real estate economy in the greater Southern California region. Strategic approaches that consider emerging trends and address challenges head-on are essential for success in today’s ever-changing landscape.  

  • 12/05/2023 3:27 PM | The Hoyt Organization (Administrator)

    The Southern California Development Forum's November 14th,2023 meeting brought together key players invested in the revitalization of the Los Angeles Waterfront, a 400-acre parcel located in the harbor communities of San Pedro and Wilmington. The speakers, representing the diverse perspectives and parties involved in the development of waterfront joined forces at the Biltmore Hotel to discuss the ongoing transformation of the waterfront as it evolves into a thriving, multi-use community hotspot. 

    A Transformational Vision for the Port of Los Angeles 

    Michael Galvin, Director of Waterfront and Commercial Real Estate for the Port of Los Angeles, kicked off the discussion by highlighting the significant investment—nearly $1 billion—in the waterfront over the past year. The overarching vision for the next five to 10 years is to redefine the waterfront, moving beyond its historical role in cargo transportation to become a vibrant community space. 

    Historically, the port has faced serious challenges including air pollution, water issues, and traffic congestion. To address these concerns, Galvin’s team has focused closely on various means to improve air quality in addition to the development of a promenade stretching from the bridge to the breakwater to help support an increase in foot traffic and reduction of vehicular traffic. Their focus though is not only on creating a visually appealing waterfront but also fostering connectivity, hence their plans for water taxis that will link Wilmington and San Pedro. 

    Emphasizing the importance of community involvement, Galvin stressed the need for residential development and the creation of new industries. He envisions the waterfront as a hub supporting thousands of jobs.  

    “This space will become a job location that can support thousands of jobs,” Galvin said. “It's about putting all of these different pieces together and keeping people there."  

    The key, according to Galvin, lies in the public-private partnerships his team has worked to build and the trust they’ve fostered within the community—a trust earned over the past decade by investing in local groups, hearing what their pain points have been, and acknowledging what they hope to see the port become in the future, while strategically dividing real estate focuses among his team. 

    Public-Private Partnership Driving the Development Forward 

    Elise Swanson, President and CEO of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, spoke as part of the panel and expressed her gratitude for the long-standing public-private partnership between the local San Pedro community, LA-area government entities, and businesses that have helped to continually drive this collaboration forward toward completion.  

    “We're so fortunate to have a community, government, and business partnership that's been 20 years in the making,” Swanson happily shared. “It’s been a long time coming but it’s like a diamond in the rough- all good things take time.” 

    The synergistic approach of connecting San Pedro's rich history with a plan for a resident and local business-driven commercial future is a key driver of the development of the waterfront. As Swanson shared, the potential future collaboration with UCLA, given their recent acquisition of the old Marymount campus in the South Bay, will further enhance the educational and cultural aspects of the waterfront that will be available to the community, in tandem with AltaSea’s stake in the port’s renaissance. 

    AltaSea is Creating a Blue Economy and a Redevelopment Renaissance

    Terry Taminen, President and CEO of AltaSea, shared insights into the ecological impact of the waterfront's development. A 90% reduction in air particulate matter: it’s simply incredible. But more than that, it’s critically important for the native species in the water. And those species are at the forefront of Taminen’s mind. 

    As part of the port’s expansion and redevelopment, there will be a 35-acre property dedicated to AltaSea serving as a multi-use facility focused on the blue economy. Taminen described his vision for aqua culture to permeate through the facility and into the heartbeat of the local culture. 

    "We want to get kids excited about the ocean, so they'll protect it regardless of whatever field they go into in the future,” Taminen said. 

    The AltaSea facilities will showcase sea creatures, the power of renewable technologies like wave power, and the incredible capabilities of underwater drones. To round things out, AltaSea will also provide job training for blue economy-focused roles, in addition to hands on educational opportunities for children ages 12 and up to inspire the next generation to be passionate about protecting the planet's oceans. 

    Construction: The Final Lap to the Finish Line  

    Thanks to Alan Johnson—Chief Executive of Jerico Development—and his team, construction on the reimagined Port of Los Angeles is rapidly underway. Johnson shared a few of the highlights of the future of the port's commercial spaces including a 20,000 square foot beer garden and an amphitheater—a few of the many amenities that Johnson feels are desperately needed in the South Bay. 

    “There's a donut hole for entertainment in Los Angeles and it's in the South Bay," Johnson noted when sharing the need for more commercial entertainment, food, and beverage retailers in the South LA area.   

    Despite facing ups and downs, years of pandemic-related setbacks, and nearly 11 years of preparation and planning before breaking ground, the port is now experiencing a surge in leasing momentum. 5,000 residential units will be a part of the dynamic redeveloped port community and much to the panel’s excitement, the pre-engineering steel buildings are anticipated to be completed in May and June of 2024 with tenant soft openings in mid 2025 and, finally, a grand opening at the end of the 2025 calendar year.  

    The Los Angeles waterfront has been on a transformational journey to reach this point for over two decades now and the many, many hours of commitment are coming to fruition. From ecological sustainability and blue economy initiatives to community partnerships and vibrant entertainment spaces, the vision for the waterfront extends beyond commerce to create a dynamic space that showcases just how ready and resilient the South Bay is. The Los Angeles Waterfront redevelopment is not just another construction project; it's a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and a community's hunger for growth and success. 

  • 11/01/2023 12:36 PM | The Hoyt Organization (Administrator)

    In today’s corporate landscape, data centers are essential to our everyday work life. A data center can be a building, a dedicated space within a building, or a complex of buildings with the purpose of sharing and storing data. As reported by moderator of the panel, Jason Shepard, Managing Principal for Cresa MCS, there are three (3) types of data center operators:

    • Enterprise data centers (EDCs) are typically constructed and used by a single organization for their own internal purposes. EDCs are typically designed to higher levels of reliability & redundancy to mitigate against downtime.
    • Internet data centers (IDCs):  Also referred to as “Hyper Scale”, these are large-scale (power & size) facilities for internet &/or cloud-centric users.
    • Third Party Operators (3POs):  These are purpose-built data centers to accommodate a variety of end-user types. Multi-user data centers, similar to multi-tenant buildings, are referred to as “Colocation”. Larger scale “Carrier-Hotels”, “Powered Shell” & “Wholesale Colocation” facilities may have “Retail Colocation” providers as customers. These colocation facility types may then have sub-users in "Retail Colocation” providers as well as both EDCs & IDCs as customers.

    Many will recognize current software services that depend on data centers such as Microsoft Office and Amazon Web Services, that most of corporate America use every day. While it’s true that the industry has been able to condense the amount of space needed for data storage overall, virtual networks still depend on large-scale physical infrastructure – and having the space for such infrastructure can prove to be a challenge for a condensed market like Southern California.

    Because of this, most businesses within Southern California depend on data centers located in Phoenix, Salt Lake City or even further away. However, this creates a problem of data speed latency. As reported by Shepard, “LA to Salt Lake City takes about 18 milliseconds (ms) round-trip, and LA to Denver takes about 27ms round-trip.” He continued, according to AFCOM’s 2023 State of the Data Center Study, “60% of users of survey respondents said that their requirements need to be under 20ms.” According to Amatis, a cloud-based services firm, a latency of 100ms can cause a 1% loss in sales and 40% of online users abandon a website if it is difficult to load within that timeframe.

    How Much Power is Needed?

    Shepard addressed another problem under consideration, that being the level of power needed to supply data centers. Data centers require a large amount of power, currently acquired through mostly non-renewable resources. However most states in the US are moving towards renewable resource requirements, with California specifically requiring “60% of electricity generation [to] come from renewable sources by 2030, and 100% green by 2045,” (DSIRE).” Arizona on the other hand only has a 15% renewable resource requirement by 2025 (DSIRE), resulting in a extensive data center development  in  Arizona over California.

    From there, Shepard introduced panelists Yigit Bulut, technical leader and electrical designer EYP Mission Critical Facilities, Part of Ramboll, Chris Sumter, partner and EVP of Prime Data Centers, Rhea Williams, CCO of E3 Platforms, and Eric Dela Pena, director of sales engineering for Coresite. Each panelist brought unique perspectives from all around the industry, all working toward figuring out solutions for data centers long term.

    Data Center Development, Site Selection and Opportunities

    When deciding the right type of data center for a business, Bulut noted three things to keep in mind, “if you have goals of sustainability and energy efficiency while being conscious of capital price, you have to be cognizant of how much you are spending and how efficient the facilities will be.” He continued, “You want to maximize reliability and redundancy. Efficiency, capital cost, longevity - that hasn’t changed – it has just gotten more important.”

    Williams, who was recently a Site Selection Principal for Oracle in EMEA focused on European Markets, brought forth her perspective on data center processes overseas. She added, “The large cloud public regions are dictated by customers and sales. They're going to go where customers are based.” Regions, she clarified, are single markets that refer to a specific city or geographical area. In Europe, the main concentration for data centers is tier-1 markets, which were identified as major European cities such as London, Frankfurt, Ashburn, etc. In contrast, Williams noted the highlight of the West Coast American market, “I think we do that better on the West Coast than most the other regions globally.”

    On the other end of the spectrum, Dela Pena gave a local perspective, as Coresite has recently entered the Southern California market. When asked what fueled Coresite’s decision to recently look at local open and leasable space, he replied with the following:

    “For us, it was an economic decision because of the low cost of power. In the state of  California, you don’t get many incentives to come into the market, but from a customer perspective, we were able to serve the needs within a short period at an incredibly low cost.” He later summarized, “this is an underserviced market and developers should probably pay more attention.”

    On that same topic, LA vacancy can provide some unique opportunities for data center-purposed acquisitions. Sumter shared one of the latest unique acquisitions of Prime Data Centers,

    “Luckily, we have been granted a beautiful property, that being an old post office building that was built in 1993 by the federal government. It came with high  posts that enabled mail trucks to drive on the roof to sort out mail throughout the  entire building. What does that mean? It means we can build a 3000-pound cabinet in this building that you can light up to about 15 kilowatts.”

    Challenges of Price, Energy Procurement and Public Use

    One aspect of the panel highlighted the historic movement to cloud data storage, what it did to the price of data centers and the growing need for more data storage. Dela Pena summarized that “when cloud adoption first came about, everyone wanted to rush to it because it required less capital and equipment.” But this came with one caveat, “It’s free to put all your data into the cloud, but it costs a ton of money to pull it back out.” This led to hybrid models, where companies would upload certain workloads to the cloud and a certain amount onsite. But this model mitigates a challenge that is still present, the current cost of data storage without many alternative options due to current limitations of energy resources and state legislation.

    Later in the panel, the conversation on the challenge of energy procurement sparked up again. Sumter noted, “In this industry, energy procurement is becoming a much greater challenge.” He continued, “I don’t know what the answer is going to be, but optimistically, places like Tennesse, Oklahoma, Wyoming – tier 2 markets that two years ago I never would of invested in – now suddenly we’re looking to go out and buy property there because power is more accessible.”

    One such solution that was discussed was the possibility of nuclear power. “Government approval is a question, but there is so much negative connotation that we need to change. With how far technology has come, there are ways we can use [nuclear power] safely without creating any waste,” Williams added. She believes that the growing need, even outside of data centers, for power on a greater scale will likely drive innovation in this direction. This was echoed by attendants of the panel, with one attendant stating, “Of course, I encourage energy users of solar and wind, but they’re not reliable resources for us.” Although Williams still reiterated the initiative to move in the direction of using renewable resources.

     “We do think we can eventually utilize solar as a primary resource. We’re even looking in the middle of nowhere to buy tens of thousands of acres to utilize solar power. Shepard chimed in, “There’s a social piece to this, and it aligns with a greater political conversation.”

    Another question for the panel addressed the issue of accessibility to data storage overall, “Do you see the combination of data and power becoming a public utility as one?” Williams quickly responded, “It already has in Europe, and power is fed back into the overall grid. 100% - that is the direction we are headed in.” Shepard concluded the panel response by adding that with each new data center built, they are becoming far more energy efficient.

    In sharing final thoughts, Bulut sent attendants home with a concluding optimistic statement, “These issues and others are ahead, and they are always changing, but what makes [data centers] exciting for us is taking on those challenges.” It’s clear that the dependency on data centers will only grow more, as with each passing day there is an increased reliance on virtual data storage. However, with all the solutions mentioned on the panel, it’s clear that a greater conversation needs to be had on making data center development and accessibility available and affordable in the state of California.

  • 09/22/2023 3:03 PM | The Hoyt Organization (Administrator)

    Innovation Districts – a new way of looking at creating an environment – are becoming a hot topic in our world. At the recent SCDF panel, this concept was explored in depth. The panel, moderated by Josh Boren of RCLCO Real Estate Consulting, included Mitra Memari from ZGF, Rosalio Arellanes Jr. from Wexford Science and Technology, and Sam Pepper from Lincoln Property Company as expert panelists to share their experience. The three panelists discussed how innovation districts are being designed and cultivated to foster innovation, collaboration within a community, and economic growth.  

    Defining Innovation Districts  

    “How do you define innovation districts?”  

    Innovation districts are carefully designed to bring together a diverse range of stakeholders, such as research institutions, startups, established companies, and cultural amenities. A fundamental goal of innovation districts is to create an environment that fosters idea exchange, sparks creativity, and accelerates technological advancement. Innovation districts have become catalysts for economic revitalization and resilience in the face of global challenges by concentrating expertise, resources, and talent.   

    Universities: The Common Denominator 

    The common denominator in creating a successful innovation district that all three panelists agreed on was the need to connect and collaborate with a nearby university.  

    Mitra Memari, from ZGF, shared, “You need an anchor institution to help support the growth of innovation. Universities make great anchors for these types of developments. In addition, you need a lot of up-and-coming ideas from smaller organizations that are trying to build an idea. So having the support of the institution and putting those incubator spaces next to the institution helps. But most importantly you need a community.”    

    By developing innovation districts around universities, fostering economic development promotes collaboration between academia and industry, with the end goal of creating knowledge-based ecosystems.   

    Designing innovation districts   

    How can a company create spaces to be fully maximized when we live in a world that changes daily? When going into any project, the panelists all agreed on understanding the needs of the market and,most importantly, understanding the tenant's requirements in that particular market. When starting the design process, including the basics of design, it is critical to have market information that reflects themarket needs. Rosalio Arellanes Jr., from Wexford Science and Technology, stated, “The last thing you want to do is build a project and be able to accommodate half of the prospective tenants in the market. 

    When programming and designing these districts, Arellanes also said, “When we get into a project, we start talking to our partners on the ground. Whether that is the university, non-profit, community colleges, city and countyjurisdictions and broker teams. We have a team that exclusively focuses on having those conversations and creating the value proposition for that innovation district.”   

    Community Outreach   

    Community engagement is a vital aspect of the development of innovation districts for them to be successful, sustainable, and beneficial to the innovation district. 

    Sam Pepper, from Lincoln Property Company, emphasized how their client Google is opening their doors to the local community. “Google sees huge value in bringing the public into their spaces. Google users want to share what they are working on and be a helpful neighbor to the local community. Googlers recognize the responsibility they have to the community, and are investing in shared amenities, arts and public programming.It isabout more than just being a good neighbor - it is about really providing the publicwithopportunities, amenities and exposureto what happens at Google.”  

    Meari also stated how “we have been ideating new ways to involve communities in innovation districts and reflect the work they are doing within their spaces. One of ZGF’s projects is having farmer markets on the weekends. This helps with community engagement and bringing people in.”  

    Innovation districts can positively impact communities by driving economic growth, creating jobs, enhancing the quality of life, and addressing pressing societal challenges. They serve as dynamic hubs of innovation, collaboration, and cultural exchange that benefit not only the individuals and businesses within the district but also the broader community and region.    

    No doubt, they will continue to contribute to making our developments more vibrant, exciting and collaborative for years to come.  

  • 06/13/2023 10:00 AM | The Hoyt Organization (Administrator)

    In recent years, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various industries, and healthcare is no exception. From enhancing clinical practice to reshaping the design of healthcare facilities, these advancements have ushered in a new era of patient care. How can facilities in this market prepare for this evolution of technology? How will it impact the built environment?  

    At a recent panel discussion, moderated by Kenneth T. Bellian of Jensen Partners, key speakers including George R. Tingwald from Stanford Health Care Planning, Design + Construction, Kimberlee Roberts from Scripps Health, Long Duong from Kaiser Permanente, and Wesley Ramirez from UC Davis Health addressed the transformative potential of AI and technology in healthcare facilities design and construction. 

    Connecting the Dots 

    A common challenge faced by the healthcare design and construction industry is limited space and outdated infrastructure. Tingwald and Roberts highlighted the challenges in having their new hospital towers communicate with existing buildings that were designed and built 10+ years ago. The panelists agreed that in the healthcare world, it takes a long time to change. However, Tingwald remained optimistic, emphasizing that technology allows engagement of global talent and innovation to address these gaps. Ramirez added that UC Davis has been looking outside California for innovation, noting successful integration of technology at institutions like Penn Medicine and Houston Methodist. However, institutions face challenges such as cyber security and data protection. In navigating these barriers, we should embrace AI to connect the dots.  

    “We can no longer care only about our own universe,” concluded Tingwald, “We are now all part of the same care ecosystem.” 

    Futureproofing Our Facilities 

    AI can offer support across various areas within medical facilities, including communication speeds, compliance planning, and medication workflows. Duong stressed the importance of creating a “high-tech, high-touch environment,” viewing AI as an opportunity. Tingwald explained that AI can improve department communication and enhance patient care, citing an example that “AI has a much better success rate at reading ultrasounds than techs do.” It is evident that AI's potential impact on the medical field cannot be ignored, emphasizing the need to prepare for its integration from a design perspective and as Roberts noted “create a seamless environment of care”. 

    Medical institutions recognize the need for long-term planning to integrate technology effectively. Ramirez highlighted the ever-increasing needs of fiber runs and the importance of “infrastructure planning for the next 20-30 years.” Stanford has already upsized their electrical and data rooms by 20% to accommodate future technologies.  

    Enhance the Human Experience and Population Health 

    Duong noted that Kaiser Permanente is exploring innovative ways to integrate AI and leveraging data to assess population health, aiming to break down socio-economic barriers and bring care to the underserved. Citing their new medical office building in Watts, “The goal is to hopefully use AI to serve as a lifelong tutor to the underserved to improve health outcomes,” he emphasized.  

    However, integrating new technology requires navigating regulations and overcoming hurdles, particularly for landlocked facilities operating in outdated buildings. Roberts questioned if current regulations can be changed to accelerate the approval process for building much needed healthcare facilities. 

     “We need to get people out of the ER and bring care into more communities,” she emphasized.  

    She urged the group to leverage AI to develop creative design solutions in the built environment and operational planning. The collective effort to embrace AI reflects the understanding that all stakeholders are part of the same care ecosystem.  

    In conclusion, the integration of AI and technology in healthcare facilities design and construction promises to revolutionize patient care, address staffing and space challenges, and improve overall healthcare outcomes. By embracing AI, medical institutions can create a high-tech, high-touch environment that optimizes patient care and experiences while planning for long-term integration.

  • 05/31/2023 12:52 PM | The Hoyt Organization (Administrator)

    Just a few blocks away from the Biltmore Hotel, where SCDF hosted its panel on "Adaptive Reuse – Vacant Retail, Vacant Office and the Housing Crisis: LA at an Adaptive Reuse Crossroads,” stands over 100 vacant floors, many of which have remained empty for more than five years.  The title was aptly descriptive of the next chapter of our city’s growth path.

     "LA currently has nine million square feet of subleased office space sitting on the market, and this number continues to grow daily," revealed panel moderator Carl Muhlstein, executive managing director at JLL Los Angeles. It's no surprise that vacant office space has been a persistent issue in the city, with LA's office space utilization currently at a mere 55%.

    Muhlstein instilled confidence in attendees by emphasizing the crucial role of housing in solving this problem. "We've survived the '.com' bubble, the great recession, the COVID-19 pandemic, but now we're ready for the great reset, and housing is a key part of that," he added.

    The need to address the challenges impeding adaptive reuse development was evident to everyone at the panel.

    The speakers consisted of notable individuals such as Nella McOsker from the Central City Association of Los Angeles (CCA), Simon Muir from NBP Capital, Jackson Brissette from BARDAS Investment Group, Vince Bertoni from the City of Los Angeles, Kyle Burnham from Swinerton, and Bea Hsu from Brookfield Properties Development. These experts delved into various aspects of adaptive reuse, including city and state-wide legislation, and provided insights into the challenges faced by different sectors of the industry.

    Adaptive Reuse: The Old Ordinance vs. The New

    Office-to-residential conversions are not a novel concept in LA. So why are we revisiting adaptive reuse as a solution to LA's office vacancy issue now? McOsker highlighted the transformative impact of the late 90s adaptive reuse ordinance:

    “Twelve thousand units came online, about one third of all new housing, within that 20-year period. I think trends that we are aware of, in the last few years, are part of the reason that there’s a pause, but I think it's precisely the right moment to be asking this question. When the pandemic hit, CCA looked at this and authored a report because we saw changes in the office market once again creating an opportunity to help downtown recover.”

    She further emphasized that even a small fraction of converted space can create remarkable opportunities, as approximately 5% of office space can be converted into around 8,000 rooms.

    Hsu acknowledged the progress made by the 1999 adaptive reuse ordinance in unlocking development possibilities through office conversions but stated, "We're not there yet."

    Vince Bertoni, the Director of Planning for the City of Los Angeles, shed light on the proposals of the new ordinance, saying, "The new ordinance aims to remove all zoning barriers... and it includes a few key components." He explained that the downtown adaptive reuse ordinance has already paved the way for the complete elimination of design barriers. Here are some of the eligibility requirements outlined in the new proposal:

    • At least 15 years must have elapsed since the building permit was issued.
    • Any parking structure or parking area within an existing building may be converted if at least five years have elapsed since the building permit was issued.
    • At least five years must have elapsed since the building permit was issued, and the project must be approved by a Zoning Administrator.

    In simple terms, if the proposal is confirmed today, adaptive reuse can be initiated for buildings constructed in 2008 or earlier. Additionally, buildings that are at least five years old can undergo a discretionary approval process for potential early conversion. "We believe that this will hopefully ignite housing development throughout the city," added Bertoni.

    Adaptive Reuse: Incentives and Hurdles

    The panel also discussed the future of LA's workforce and its impact on the need for both office and residential space in downtown LA. McOsker shared survey results indicating that 81% of employees are expected to spend at least half of their time in the office, with half of them likely to be in the office almost full-time. She stressed the importance of considering the employees who commute downtown, as the area has already become a thriving residential community with over 90,000 residents. Moreover, McOsker emphasized that accessible public transit, a wide range of housing options, vibrant restaurants, childcare facilities, and more all contribute to incentivizing a return to downtown. Creating a safe and exciting environment for employees, residents, and visitors is pivotal for driving development in LA's downtown.

    Muir and Brissette highlighted the significance of design in attracting people back to the office and enticing tenants to sign leases. Muir stated that investment firms with substantial funds have limited equity for new projects, which necessitates careful selection. Brissette expanded on the factors investment groups consider, emphasizing the value of design. He said, "We prioritize design first and amenities second... People don't go to work because they want to use a bocce ball court. They wake up and feel that where they're going inspires them to do what they do, more so than working from home."

    Collaboratively Planning for Future Development

    The panelists emphasized the importance of collaboration throughout the adaptive reuse process. "It all starts with the right team," stated Burnham, who leads preconstruction efforts at Swinerton. He stressed the need to address significant questions up front and emphasized the importance of developing both a preconstruction and a holistic program budget, which requires lowering acquisition prices.

     "Acquisition costs are starting to drop to the point where we're finding that sweet spot," Burnham concluded.

    Hsu chimed in, clarifying that the problem is not that the office market is dead but rather that LA has an oversupply of office space. She stressed the need for Los Angeles to learn from other cities and address its unique challenges, such as increasingly restrictive building codes on the West Coast due to earthquake and seismic hazards.

    During the Q&A session, attendees raised questions about the possibility of government subsidies to stimulate more development and the relaxation of developmental restrictions to expedite adaptive reuse conversions. Bartoni responded, "We're trying to be as flexible as possible... we don't actually know what's going to happen, and that's okay. Sometimes in planning, you think that you need to control the outcome, but you actually just need to spark creativity." Bartoni reiterated the importance of approaching adaptive reuse with a focus on sustainability and safety, as this will ultimately encourage more rebuilding in the city.

    Muhlstein issued a call to action to attendees, stating, "Adaptive reuse could be the saving grace to help us overcome these problems... the silent majority needs to wake up." It is evident that collaboration among city planning, investment, preconstruction, and development is crucial to addressing the underutilization of vacant office space in Los Angeles. The new wave of adaptive reuse is approaching the City of Los Angeles, and the question that remains is how close that future really is.

    For those interested in more information, the Los Angeles City Planning will host webinars on June 6, 7, and 8 to provide an overview of the proposed changes to the adaptive reuse ordinance and is encouraging community input. For more information, visit the website https://planning.lacity.org/.


  • 05/10/2023 9:54 AM | The Hoyt Organization (Administrator)

    When it comes to design and construction, the aviation industry pumps billions of dollars into projects that feed into the architectural, design and construction industries. And now, with the passing of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – which passed in August of 2021 – with more than $25 billion earmarked for aviation needs. More than 160 people attended this month’s April meeting held at The California Club, to hear from aviation experts about what was planned.  

    The Bipartisan Infrastructure law has $25 billion earmarked for aviation. The budget will be allocated to three different project types: airport terminals, air pollutants and other related infrastructure investments, and air traffic facilities.  

    While there have already been two rounds of grants awarded, there is quite a bit more in the pipeline. What are the projects that are coming up? How is the procurement handled? What will they cost?  

    At the forum, representatives from five of California’s airports shared insights on how procurement processes work, how the budgets are divided and what projects were on the drawing board. Each member shared their insight on how the procurement process is handled and what RFP/RFQs were in the pipeline.  

    Jennifer Crawford, Syska Hennessey Group, served as the moderator. The following representatives and airports were represented:  

    -Long Beach Airport, Claudia Lewis, Manager if Finance and Administration 

    -Los Angeles World Airport, Emery Molnar, Deputy Executive Director  

    -Port of Oakland, Joan Zatopek, Aviation Planning & Development Manager 

    -Ontario International Airport, Michelle Brantley, Chief Capital Program Development Officer  

    -San Francisco International Airport, Nupur Sinha, Director of Planning and Environmental Affairs  

    A short summary of the various projects that are on the runway for each of the airport facilities follows:  

    Long Beach Airport 

    More than $120 million of funding for various projects has been underway for The Long Beach Airport Phase II Terminal Area improvements since July of 2018; several other projects are slated for completion by February 2024. These include:  

    -A $10 million taxiway B that was completed as of November 2021 

    -A $26 million taxiway improvement project that was completed as of December 2022 

    -A $9.5 million runway rehabilitation project that is currently under construction, with completion slated for September of 2023 

    -A $10 million taxilane reconstruction project that is currently in the bidding phase, with completion slated for September 2024 

    “All of this will have a huge impact on our customer experience as well as drastically improve inbound and outbound passenger flow, so we were awarded $10.5 million in the first round. We did not apply for the second round simply because we are a small airport, small staff and don’t have the bandwidth,” said Claudia Lewis, the Manager of Finance and Administration for the Long Beach Airport. “We do have plans for applying for projects in the upcoming rounds.”  

    Los Angeles World Airport 

    As the second largest (and busiest) airport in the US – ranking behind the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International airport – LAX sees more than 88+ million passengers a year. Its current $30 billion capital improvement program will transform LAX into an enjoyable experience, even though until then passengers will need to navigate masses amount of construction pathways.  

    The new LAX will include a wide variety of multiple task order contracts including all access road renovation, a North and South airfield program, concourse work in addition to:  

    -T9: A new 1.4 million Sq. Ft. building that will be separate from the rest of the airport but connected with a pedestrian bridge to connect to the opposite side of Sepulveda Blvd from the airport. This will be accessible with the Automated People Mover and the new roadway access.   

    -Concourse 0: An extension of Terminal 1 in the space where LAX-it is currently located, the new terminal will be home to a variety of airlines and include an outdoor lounge space. LAX-it will be moved to a location with access to the Automated People Mover. It is currently in the design phase with the goal of having some portions of it open prior to the 2028 Olympics.  

    -A new roadway network that will separate airport traffic from local traffic, allowing less congestion in neighborhoods and smooth flow of traffic on Sepulveda.  

    -Airfield improvements that are designed to help increase safety and efficiency of the north airfield. 

    -Cargo modernization program 

    -Signage and Wayfinding enhancement program  

    Landscape beautification will take place on 13 potential acres that could be transformed into pedestrian plazas between the central terminal area parking lots and the arrival level using the existing crosswalks. This is currently in the design phase with completion expected in 2026. 

    “We received approximately $58 million in the first round and $30 million in the second round which have been designated for our ATMP roads,” said Emery Molnar, who has worked with LAX on projects such as the North Terminal Inline Baggage Screening, Delta T5, Delta T5 Landside Improvements and Westfield Concessions as well as T1, T2 and T3 airside developments.  

    Port of Oakland  

    The Port of Oakland currently has several RFPs coming up over the next few years. These include:  

    For 2023 (some of these are advertised now):  

    -Taxiway Whiskey (W) Rehab Phase I construction, $14.4 million  

    -Prime builder for restroom rehab construction, $25 million  

    -On call planning consulting service, $5-$8 million  

    -On call sanitary sewer design: $3 million 

    -Sustainability Management Plan consultant services, $2-$3 million  

    -Energy audit, $1 million  

    -Airport perimeter Dike Phase 2, Seismic construction, $30 - $40 million  

    -Substation construction, $35 - $40 million  

    Upcoming projects for 2024 – 2025 include more than $77 million projects all of which are expected to move forward with procurement efforts with the release of the first RFP in first quarter, 2024.  

    “We have a growing capital program focusing on upgrading aging infrastructure and improving customer amenities” emphasizes Joan Zatopek, Aviation Planning and Development Manager who currently oversees the eight-member team in planning, funding and managing the Aviation Capital Program which averages $100 million annually. “We’ll be using some of our BIL funding for the Airport Perimeter Dike seismic upgrades retrofit, which is scheduled to bid later this year.” 

    Ontario International Airport  

    Ontario has divided their projects down as follows:  

    2023

    -$8 million Airport Drive Reconstruction project 

    -$19 million Avion Realignment & Reconstruction project  

    -$40 million runway program  

    -$6 million terminal roof replacement  

    2024 

    -$21 million parking lot improvement  

    -$7 million baggage system controls  

    -$7 million chillers & cooling tower replacements  

    -$2.7 million preconditioned air units  

    One question from the audience centered on breaking into the industry, starting with some of the smaller jobs as an entry point.  

    “We’re about to run an advertisement for a job order contract that would be an opportunity for some smaller projects, but multiple times over,” said Michelle Brantley, who oversees the capital improvement projects and improvements at Ontario International Airport. “Keep an eye out for this list for smaller jobs that may serve as an entry point.”  

    San Francisco International Airport (SFO) 

    As SFO wraps up its $7.3B capital program, it is preparing to launch several new projects which are being funded from various sources from airport bonds, AIP grants, and BIL (competitive and formula-based) funds. These short-term projects will be followed by a new major capital program in 2024 to address SFO’s replacement and growth in the next 10 years. SFO leadership is currently considering project priorities that range from gate requirements, support facility replacements, parking and roadway improvement, infrastructure improvements, and sustainability/resiliency efforts. The short-term construction project announcements include:  

    -BIL airport terminal grant (competitive) – Using the 2023 $31M funds received for International Terminal re-roofing, water-proofing, and new solar panels (CM/GC method of delivery complaint with the FAA requirements) 

    -BIL formula-based allocation (guaranteed) – SFO received $50M per year for the first 3 years based on 2019 enplanement number. In 2023 $150M funds will be used for Advanced Waste Treatment and Recycled Water Distribution project (Progressive Design-Build method of delivery to be used, that FAA will follow closely and learn from) 

    The West Field Redevelopment Program three progressive design-build RFPs slated for 2023 include: 

    -Q2 2023 - Eight-story, 1,100 staff parking garage, AirTrain connectivity, utility upgrades and demolition of existing structures for contractor staging, employee parking and aircraft RON parking.

    -Q2 2023 - Phase 1 includes over 350,000 sq ft cargo/warehouse in two facilities and under 20,000 sq. ft. (about four times the area of a basketball court) for GSE (ground services equipment repair/maintenance) facility along with adjacent aircraft RON parking and taxiway improvements. 

    -Q4 2023 – Eleven-story multi-tenant tower, utility upgrades, AirTrain connectivity, roadway improvements, and employee amenities program. 

    “At SFO, we believe delivering a project on time and on budget isn’t the only measure of success,” emphasized Nupur Sinha, Director of Planning and Environmental Affairs for the airport. “Because most aviation projects require a long planning, funding, design, and construction timeline, we realize it is key to remain flexible and adaptable. Therefore, we focus on learning from our stakeholder, design, and construction partners during the Progressive Design-Build delivery process, to co-create projects goals and objections, that meaningfully serve our guests, employees and the planet.”

  • 04/03/2023 2:25 PM | The Hoyt Organization (Administrator)

    Ensuring diverse partners are incorporated into the procurement process was the key theme for those who attended The Southern California Development Forum (SCDF) panel discussion on March 14, 2023.  Aptly named “How Diversity Informs Procurement,” attendees got a first-hand perspective of how some of the leading companies -- from gaming to entertainment properties -- are incorporating key diversity initiatives into their process.

    Abbey Ehman, Lincoln Property Company, served as the moderator of the event and curated the panel of top experts. Panelists included Alex Kim, Riot Games; Dink Jason Toller, Shadowbox Studios; Jason Witt, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park; and Jennifer Trotter, Plenary Americas.

    The importance of diverse vendors

    One of the key themes all panelists cited in how they have incorporated diversity into their procurement process has been related to their various personal backgrounds. Trotter cited her heritage and growing up where the built environment was changing rapidly around her.

    “I was navigating the world as a bi-racial kid growing up in San Diego along the border. A key moment in my childhood was this freeway being built near my high school. As a teenager, all I could do was think about the people who were losing their homes there. So that really drove me to pursue a career in planning, community development and economic development,” Trotter noted. “I fell into supplier diversity at the same time and really have been able to help meld those ideas together about the forms of community engagement and supplier diversity workforce development, so that there are equal opportunities for contracts, for jobs, and for knowledge.”

    Kim cited his own background as an Asian-American starting out as a superintendent. He noted that his respect came from being in the field as he built his career. He now serves as the principal of global real estate, design and construction at Riot Games.

    “The way I got respect in the industry was by doing manual labor, picking up the shovel. Through that camaraderie, I gained so much respect for the folks in our field every day. Now, I love creating and fostering culture where even the quiet voices in the room are amplified, hearing all the opinions, voices and representation – these are all crucial to any product success.”

    Diversity in procurement efforts

    Jason Witt, Director of Community Engagement for Hollywood Park Management Company, discussed how his company has built their programs to ensure diversity in all the company’s procurement processes. He cited being intentional as a cultural aspect including how the company recruits, actively diversifying their procurement streams, and intentionally focusing on local business.

    “People need to see you’re a part of the community,” he noted.

    Since the SoFi Stadium build, and the creation of the retail district in the area which now includes the American Airlines Plaza, the projects have been able to draw in more than $850 million in diversity spend. Witt noted that they’ve been able to provide $120 million in wages to the community of South Los Angeles and another $40 million in wages to Inglewood residents working in construction right now in their own backyard.

    Toller cited a similar theme: intentionality. Toller has worked with Netflix and Amazon Studios and noted that one of the prominent developments for Netflix near Burbank was key in increasing the company’s diversity of suppliers.  

    “First, you have to know if this is something you genuinely believe in or if it’s checking off a box as an edict from your corporate office,” Toller said.

    It was important to him that they approach their procurement process for this project with a diverse lens in mind from the beginning, starting with their construction personnel interview process.

    “50% of the project ended up being diverse. But that wasn't enough for me. I'm a pretty competitive person. So I said, ‘What else can we do?’ We have an industry that's getting older and grayer and not necessarily feeling as well as we could.”

    The team partnered with LA Trade Tech, coordinated trade interns, and had them follow the project from day one to delivery. Down to catering, Toller’s team wanted to ensure diverse suppliers and hired a minority-owned restaurant for catering.  

    “What I’ve realized is one, if you're with a large firm and use your bully pulpit, you have something and two, if you're not one of the larger firms, you can still share your passion. Because passion is contagious, and people will go along with you. We never set a goal. We never told someone what percentage of diverse suppliers we wanted. We just said let’s go do it, not just talk about it.”

    "That intentional aspect is key," added Ehman, the moderator. “The report card speaks for itself.”

    When it comes to adding or increasing diverse suppliers to their process, panelists encouraged consistent and fair manners in their practices, leaving egos at the door, thinking about related partners in your programming, workforce training, not being afraid of what you don’t know, and pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones.


  • 03/08/2023 10:29 AM | The Hoyt Organization (Administrator)

    How can today's campuses engage and support students, attract faculty and make these institutions work financially as they expand their building footprints?

    Those who attended The Southern California Development Forum (SCDF) hosted a panel discussion on February 21, 2023, titled "Campus Trends in Higher Education" and got an insider's look at various campuses' perspectives.

    Deborah Wylie, Master Planning Director with Cordoba Corporation at BUILD LACCD, moderated the discussion. Panelists included Jay Bond, Senior Consultant at Brailsford and Dunlavey; Sarab D. Singh, CCM, PMP, CEFP, Associate Vice President, Capital Programs & Facilities Management at Cal State Fullerton; Lauren Friedman, Executive Director, Design & Construction, University of California, Office of the President; and Matthew Bibbens, Vice President of Campus Planning and Capital Projects, and Special Counsel at Claremont McKenna College.

    Key Trends

    Campuses, like businesses, have seen a lot of changes since the pandemic and are making shifts, including in classroom technology, sustainability efforts, outdoor space, and even the use of office or shared workspaces for faculty as some campuses are coming back full time and others are still hybrid.

    State Budgets, Infrastructure and Campus Populations

    State budgets dictate what projects progress and at what rate as campuses increase their footprint and enrollment.

    "We have expanded to 10 campuses across the state with medical facilities and three research facilities, including our agriculture natural resources, which has a presence throughout the state. We now have over 227,000 faculty and staff and 280,000 students and are the third largest employer in California. One of our biggest drivers is an agreement with the state of California with the governor and the legislature to increase our enrollment by 23,000 students by 2030. You can see that that will have great impacts on the work that we do and the facilities that we need to provide. It goes everywhere from housing to educational buildings to support buildings and student spaces," said Friedman.

    Sharing this sentiment, Bibbens pointed out that the increased need for student support space to create a sense of belonging on campus is critical, in addition to addressing student housing needs.

    "We're a residential college, and we had to assess how students would react to COVID and post-COVID transition; it's been fascinating. There's a huge desire from our students to be back on campus in our market. From what Lauren mentioned, this whole process has reinforced the value of the on-campus experience."

    Design Developments

    The campus of the future is changing. The panelists cited everything from constructing a new sports bowl, surgery center, and aquatics center to using panelized systems and mass timber.

    "It's great to see that college campus buildings are evolving to meet the needs of their student community. We've had good luck with dimensional analysis systems, which we've been looking into for a while. So many things can really help us with our sustainability efforts. We are interested in researching mass timber based on a project at Berkeley," said Friedman.

    Connections

    No matter the infrastructure or design developments utilized, at the heart of it, Wylie brought the conversation full circle and pointed out the actual point of the campus: connection.

    "You can learn on a computer but can't get to know someone without going to school with them. It's these connections that you make. It's burning popcorn in your dorm room together. Only seeing people on a screen affects your ability to be as creative, inventive, and collaborative."

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     


<< First  < Prev   1   2   3   4   5   ...   Next >  Last >> 

437 S. Cataract Ave 
Suite 4B 
San Dimas, CA 91773

Phone:
888-466-7412

Email:
info@scdf.org

Managed by Co-Pilots