About Campus Planning & Design

In 2005, the CP&D Office was created to facilitate the development of distinctive, yet cohesive architectural designs for the four URI campuses (Kingston, Providence, the Bay Campus, and Alton Jones). The University’s Strategic Plan envisioned increasing facilities requirements to support the academic programming that makes URI a premier public university.

The office’s role quickly evolved to encompass strategic planning, resource development, sustainability initiatives, and an array of major design projects. To facilitate its expanded scope, CP&D added a Campus Planner and University Landscape Architect. In 2010, Campus Planning & Design engaged Keough Construction Management to provide contract project management services to assist with our $100+ million in project design. In addition, URI's Sustainability Officer joined our team to coordinate and implement the University’s Sustainability Goals and Climate Action Plan. Each year, a number of student employees work part time with CP&D to assist with campus planning projects and sustainability initiatives.

Today, Campus Planning & Design has three major functions: Planning, Design, and Project Management. Our staff has expertise in campus planning, architectural and landscape design, sustainability initiatives, and project management.

Major Functions

Planning transforms visions of the University’s future into physical and resource needs and implementation strategies. The scope of planning processes varies. Planning processes can be comprehensive (the development of Master Plans) or targeted (feasibility studies for specific programs). Planning documents establish a road map for changes on campus, act as tools for prioritizing needs, and identify investment opportunities.

Designs translate the University’s history and identity into visible architectural and landscape details that reinforce a sense of place. Design details subtly reinforce a cohesive identity at each of our campuses. Well-researched design guidelines and standards promote functional, yet appealing landscapes and facilities.

Project management is the process of implementing plans and designs. Architects, engineers, and contractors transform plans and designs into buildings, classrooms, and landscapes. Project managers are the conductors that coordinate the varied activities of architects, engineers, contractors and other development team members.

Rationale

Why plan, design, and manage projects at URI? For the same reasons we develop good study habits and research protocols. We care about the outcomes. We are committed to the URI community - past, present, and future.

CP&D is guided by a twofold rationale. We seek to cultivate sense of place and sustainability on the URI campuses. URI’s identity as the State’s leading public, teaching, and research university is unique. It is embodied by historic buildings, Rhody the Ram, the Research Vessel Endeavor, the Christopher Memorial Arboretum, and a multitude of other features. Campus designs reflect this identity. CP&D’s work reinforces the sense of place students, alumni, faculty, staff, and visitors experience when they are present on a URI campus.

URI is a land and sea grant institution with a tradition of excellence in teaching and research in natural resources. That tradition has evolved into a commitment to sustainability. URI's sustainability initiatives reduce future operating costs, protect Rhode Island's natural resources, further the University's teaching, research, and outreach goals, and help prepare students to be global citizens and leaders.

As a signatory to the American College and University President’s Climate Commitment (ACUPCC), URI is working towards achieving carbon neutrality. In addition to integrating sustainability with the curricula, URI is taking steps to transform its buildings and transportation links, and protect natural resources. New buildings are designed and built to achieve the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) standards. Weatherization projects are reducing energy use in existing buildings. Transportation planning is the first step in creating convenient alternatives for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors to travel to and from campus. Incorporating environmental considerations into planning can help URI protect natural resources, including the sole source aquifer it shares with surrounding communities.