Campus of the future: Framework 2.0 update includes potential projects focused on research, teaching and community services
COLUMBUS, Ohio – In January, The Ohio State University announced Framework 2.0, a long-term guiding vision that imagines transformational research and learning environments over the next decade and beyond. Today, the university announced plans to explore the next steps in the framework to further support research, teaching and engagement.
“Framework 2.0 imagines exciting possibilities for the future of our campus,” said President Michael V. Drake, MD. “We are committed to supporting faculty, staff and students across disciplines as they work to advance knowledge and uplift communities.”
The framework is guided by five principles: collaboration, innovation, high-quality facilities, connectivity and sustainability. The university will consider five planning and programming studies at the April 7 Board of Trustees meeting:
- Interdisciplinary research building — innovative and modern environment to serve Ohio State scientists and partners in multiple disciplines; would be located in envisioned research corridor on mid-west area of campus
- Arts District at 15th Avenue and High Street — high-quality, modern learning environments for interaction across arts disciplines; would include theatre and music performance spaces while opening the university’s front door and connecting to the heart of the University District
- Health Sciences education — upgraded and flexible facilities to create a collaborative campus for interprofessional education throughout the Health Sciences disciplines
- Inpatient services — best-of-class hospital facilities and inpatient clinical space with a focus on teaching, research and evidence-based health care and design
- Outpatient services — best-of-class ambulatory facilities and clinical spaces with a focus on teaching, research and evidence-based health care and design
These planning studies are necessary to understand the fundamental elements of the potential projects, including scope and programming details, that will allow the university to develop cost estimates. Individual projects will be reviewed thoroughly at planning, design and construction phases with qualifying projects subject to board approval.
Priorities will be guided and informed by the university’s strategic plan currently being developed as well as its sustainability goals, said Executive Vice President and Provost Bruce A. McPheron.
“Our charge as educators is to think big and create and share new ideas,” McPheron said. “We are carefully studying what will enable Ohio State to be on the leading edge of knowledge creation and dissemination across all disciplines.”
The planning studies also envision the future of health care at Ohio State.
“It is exciting to explore how we can advance our teaching and research in the health sciences and our academic medical center,” said Sheldon M. Retchin, MD, executive vice president of health sciences and CEO of the Wexner Medical Center.
“Our goal in everything we do is to improve the experiences of our students, faculty, staff and patients — and to be at the forefront of innovations in health care.”
In other Framework 2.0 updates, construction continues in the Mirror Lake District. An advisory team of faculty, students and staff has discussed designs and education ideas. The restoration of Mirror Lake and the surrounding district, including Pomerene and Oxley halls, will return the area closer to its historical form, emphasize modern standards for sustainability and improve stormwater management and biodiversity.
Keith Myers, associate vice president of planning and real estate, reiterated the evolving nature of Framework 2.0.
“Concepts in Framework 2.0 represent a vision for potential investments,” Myers said. “We continue to work actively to explore and shape the future of higher education.”
