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California State University, Long Beach 2035 Campus Master Plan Update

Extensive Engagement Results in Student-Centered Campus Vision

Project Location

Long Beach, CA

Client

California State University, Long Beach

Area

322 acres

Services

Campus master planning, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability planning services

California State University, Long Beach, known nationally as “The Beach,” is a hub of diversity, both culturally and intellectually. The park-like 322-acre campus is designed to encourage student involvement and success. The grounds feature prime examples of mid-century modern architecture, harmonized with an arboretum-quality landscape and environmental sculpture, to create a beautiful series of pavilions in a park.

In partnership with CSULB, DLR Group created a once-in-a-decade, innovative, collaborative, and comprehensive campus master plan. The 2035 Campus Master Plan preserves the historic framework within the long-term campus development while responding to the present day needs of higher education and future students. The updated document provides a roadmap to physically translate recent University academic and strategic planning – embodied in “Beach 2030” – as well as aspirations for community connectivity and engagement.

Planning

The 2035 campus master plan preserves the historic framework within the long-term campus development while responding to the present day needs of higher education and future students.



01
Stakeholder

Engagement

As one of the most diverse campuses in the country, CSULB believes in the importance of engaging students, staff, and faculty in planning and decision-making. Over 5,000 campus members participated in the master planning process using tools ranging from focus groups to online surveys. In addition, in fall 2021, DLR Group set up a series of small group engagement sessions to verify the planning ideas and priorities developed prior to the shut down of campus.

University stakeholders working together in a visioning session for the master plan looking at a campus map and making notes

The Campus Advisory Committee mapping the existing campus' strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.

Engaged university stakeholders making notes on a campus map on a poster board and easel in front of floor to ceiling windows

Campus users completing the VALUES workshop to identify sustainability initiatives that align with the master plan update.

02
Research

Post-COVID Findings

With campuses shuttered between the spring 2020 and 2021 semesters, students, faculty, and staff experienced working and learning from home. Focus groups and a subsequent study reported four key findings: students and faculty both require adaptable learning spaces; introverts are more comfortable in a remote setting; faculty who prefer remote teaching also hold stronger engagement skills; and students farther along in their academic career are more accepting of hybrid and off-campus options.

Press

In the Media

DLR Group Senior Associate and Campus Planner linsey graff, Assoc. AIA
DLR Group Senior Associate Linsey Graff

Design is Everywhere podcast

Campus Design for Engagement and Equity

In this podcast episode, we learn how institutions are designing equity into their decision-making process from Linsey Graff, a senior campus planner at DLR Group, and Melissa Soto, program planner at California State University, Long Beach.

Listen to the podcast

In the Spotlight

Planning

Contact Us

Contact Us

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