The University of Texas El Paso, commonly referred to as UTEP, is a nationally recognized public research university that is increasing access to learning and research for Hispanic students. The institution’s desire to update their existing Master Plan to move toward continuous and integrated internal planning led by campus leadership and facilities/operations staff that synthesizes capital planning, urban design, enrollment management, and research growth.
Our team’s Campus Master Plan Update, in partnership with MNK Architects, highlights impactful campus change that can be realistically accomplished within 10 years, strengthens UTEP’s national prominence, elevates service to Hispanic students, enhances campus connectivity, preserves heritage open space, and celebrates the campus Bhutanese architectural brand and Chihuahuan desert landscape. The Master Plan update supports a new digital planning culture within the institution to carry forward evolving strategic university initiatives. Coordinated building, open space, and infrastructure recommendations identify highest priority and best campus improvements for aging facilities, space inefficiencies, difficult terrain, and disconnected precincts. Signature achievements include expanding first-year and graduate student housing neighborhoods, commensurate student dining, gathering, and support services, enhanced research space for doubling external expenditures, and new Law School facilities.
As a top 10 U.S. university for improving social mobility, the 420-acre campus needed planning that integrated strategic initiatives for recruitment, retention, and wellbeing. A rigorous facility condition assessment, space analytics for utilization, tactical residential growth scenarios, realistic funding, and flexible future research opportunities were required for both the 24,300 existing students and projected increase in enrollment and staffing levels. Our team supported UTEP’s award-winning, sustainably designed campus landscape and unique Bhutanese architecture to create an energizing and tranquil oasis in the bustling El Paso-Juárez metroplex. Specific enhancements to Division I athletics, cultural, and entertainment venues were included. The Master Plan provided clear guidance for physical renewal, replacement, or expansion of all facilities. Recommendations synthesized existing and future capital outlay plans for the next 10 years. The team identified key decision-makers for collaboration, facilitated stakeholder workshops, established milestones and benchmarking, and managed the schedule. Our team provided campus planning services.
