University of Adelaide Campus Masterplans
fjcstudio completed stakeholder engagement with the University of Adelaide to provide a unified masterplan for its three primary campuses: North Terrace, Waite and Roseworthy. The process involved consultation with over 30 stakeholder groups and hundreds of individuals, with wider project records indicating participation by more than 1,000 students and staff. Engagement spanned from the Vice Chancellor and University Executive through to faculties, researchers, industry partners, students and specialist administration groups. At Waite, engagement also included scientific partners such as CSIRO.
The primary aim of the first round was to gather relevant design information, identify shared goals and aspirations, and understand the distinct and unique qualities of each campus and faculty. A variety of methodologies were deployed depending on the stakeholder group and the aim of each session, including collaborative cross-disciplinary visioning sessions, workshops, interactive boards, surveys, recorded town hall sessions, development of online material, benchmarking and project-based learning exercises for urban design students. fjcstudio worked closely with the University’s facilities and communications teams to develop the engagement plan and ensure that all key stakeholders were identified and that a cross-section of experience, expertise and stakeholder profile was reached.
The engagement plan itself included: a stakeholder matrix identifying each group and suggested methodologies; a detailed contact list and key representatives; a stakeholder influence and expertise diagram; and a consultation program aligned to the masterplan process and academic timetable, including important regular meetings such as university council. Stakeholder groups included reference groups with particular expertise (IT, sustainability, student experience), focus groups based on research and learning, faculty and school-based groups, campus and industry partner groups, and students and administration professionals. All groups were clearly briefed on the aim of the consultation, the limitations of the project and the way in which information would be recorded and used.
The outcome was not only a clear understanding of potential influences on the University’s campuses over the next 20 years, but also a surprisingly clear alignment of aims and priorities between faculties, students and staff. Shared themes included collaborative learning, the impact of technology, globalisation, community and industry engagement, interdisciplinary research and sharing of facilities, showcasing of research and talent, flexible space, student and staff experience and identity, and flexible modes of course delivery. These commonalities provided a clear mandate to develop the masterplans with strong support from both students and staff.
