Planning Principles
Society and higher education continue to evolve, and UNC-Chapel Hill must develop new strategies to address complex opportunities and challenges. New strategies must consider innovation as a fundamental component of planning for the physical campus. For the Master Plan to guide and sustain implementation, it must articulate shared core values and planning principles that inform future actions. To guide the next era of campus development decisions, five Planning Principles will serve as benchmarks to ensure implementation decisions are consistent with the intent of the plan. The principles apply broadly to each of the University’s diverse landholdings, but they will influence University decisions differently at each location depending on context.
1 Use Land Strategically
The University’s landholdings, which include Main Campus, Carolina North, and Mason Farm Tract, are assets to be used strategically. Over time, each parcel will have a role to play in realizing the University’s mission and vision. The Main Campus, however, is finite and especially precious. Each remaining development opportunity will optimize site capacity consistent with its context.
2 Shape a Compelling Campus Experience
Learning and innovation happen everywhere; the student life and social space strategy is a critical component of the intellectual environment. Student housing and amenities should provide an age-appropriate experience that builds strong communities and supports continued growth and maturation over time. Resources and social spaces facilitate community: some will be centralized to create critical mass while others will be dispersed to support specialization.
3 Create a Sustainable Environment
Land, natural assets, space, energy, water, funding, and time are valued resources. Each landholding is unique and will be evaluated individually to
take best advantage of its unique character. Strategic reinvestments in the existing campus will increase efficiency, utilization, and sharing to ensure a sustainable future.
4 Make a Safe and Connected Campus
The built environment is a powerful tool to connect people to one another. The proximity of spaces to learn, live, and gather amidst a unifying campus landscape will fuel Carolina’s distinctive intellectual climate. Providing safe access to the campus for all modes of travel will facilitate productivity
and collaboration.
5 Look Outward
UNC-Chapel Hill is of and for the public. Its community encompasses students, faculty, staff, patients, partners, spectators, and guests. The campus will be broadly welcoming and connected to its surroundings, embracing partnerships to expand and accelerate the University’s impact on North Carolina and beyond.