If money were no object, schools would love to have an iconic design by a world-famous architect. People want to get the best-looking facilities they can. But they know they can't afford everything. We try to understand what the competing priorities are. |
Planning teams need to establish the priorities of the project. It depends on how well a school's internal groups are set up. |
The folks that really have their act together get the building they want. |
With student centers, many schools want a building that gives the campus a presence. That's the draw. In those cases, a school might sacrifice some of the program inside — maybe reduce the seating from 700 to 600. |
You have to have a president that is willing to walk away from gifts that aren't in line with what the school's needs are. That's really difficult, especially for schools that struggle to get cash. |