In a recent Globe and Mailarticle, Barbara Balfour explores shifts happening on campuses as institutions reexamine their campus real estate. Balfour cites Colliers Director of Research for Canada Susan Thompson, who explained that institutions are increasingly adopting an “ecosystem” model, where students learn, socialize, network, and access services all on campus. The author discusses projects at the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, and the University of British Columbia that illustrate how institutions are changing to meet student needs. “This speaks to broader trends in development that revolve around building cities and communities for the future,” said Thompson, who explained that not only do these new facilities provide an aesthetic boost to campuses, but they also serve as a method to attract and retain students.
