Framework planning for the Ohio State University’s Newark campus engaged stakeholders from Ohio State and Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) in a dialogue focused on supporting the two institutions, leveraging existing campus assets to better support current and projected needs, and strengthening connections between campus open spaces and the natural environment. Framework 2.0 reinforces and refines previous planning ideas while establishing new concepts that will strengthen the campus and further support the academic missions of both institutions.
Framework planning began in January 2020 and completed in January 2021. It involved three major phases of work: Observe and Analyze, Envision, and Recommend. Through these phases, several scenarios for future campus improvement and development were considered. Ultimately, a final plan was reached through leadership from the Lima campus, in coordination with partners from the Columbus campus.
The Framework 2.0 planning process identified five overarching goals applicable to each of the regional campuses. However, the Newark campus has unique and custom strategies for achieving these goals based on context, existing conditions, campus priorities, and the shared vision of Ohio State and COTC.
Framework 2.0 Goals
Newark campus’ goals and strategies are:
Promote Academic Success
- Instructional spaces
- Collaboration and study spaces
- Student services and resources
- Quality and condition of facilities
Enhance the Student Experience
- Student-centered spaces
- Housing
- Dining
- Recreation
- Health and wellness
- Quality and condition of facilities
Activate Open Spaces and Engage Natural Systems
- Stormwater management and sustainability
- Central spaces
- Secondary spaces and prairies
Elevate the Campus Identity and Brand
- Gateways and edges
- Internal and external branding
- Balance Ohio State and Central Ohio Technical College identities
Leverage Existing Space and Partnerships
- Renovations
- Co-located, shared resources
- City and business partners
- Town-grown relationships and opportunities
Framework 2.0 Plan: A Partnership for Student Success
In order to support the mission, strategic direction and continue achieving student success, Framework 2.0 focuses on enhancing campus open space and branding, reinvesting in existing facilities, and strategically building new.
Framework 2.0 seeks to strengthen both physical and programmatic connections by prioritizing open space and circulation improvements and development opportunities that enhance these linkages. The near-term plan prioritizes improved signage, wayfinding and campus identity, and student-oriented space through strategic renovations, new on-campus housing, and open space improvements. The long-term vision ensures the capacity for future growth.
Implementation Opportunities
Framework 2.0 identifies near-term and long-term opportunities to transform the physical campus and support the mission and strategic goals of the university. Transformational implementation strategies focus on the university’s ability to:
Elevate the campus identity and brand
Near-term opportunities exist to elevate the campus identity and brand with enhanced gateways, signage and wayfinding throughout campus. The arrival sequence along Country Club Drive could be improved with better organization of adjacent parking lots that would widen the setback from the road. Within that wider setback, the campus could add a multi-use path and install campus standard light poles and banners. “Highway to Hallway” signage would ensure that visitors are able to seamlessly arrive on campus, exit their vehicles, and find their on-campus destination with ease.
Improve open space and circulation
Open space improvements at multiple scales would increase pedestrian connectivity, activate the campus, provide social spaces and create opportunities to engage with the campus setting. Establishing a hierarchy of pathways that are intuitive would improve wayfinding on campus and may have a benefit of shortening perceived distances between campus buildings. New outdoor furniture and hammock posts would create an inviting space that encouraged campus users to linger.
Leverage existing buildings through transformational renovations and additions
Building renovations and modest additions would provide additional modern spaces that promote student success. Renovating and refreshing learning spaces on campus would ensure that teaching spaces better align twenty-first century pedagogy. Collaborative, informal spaces throughout academic buildings and the library would extend learning opportunities for students beyond classroom walls. The renovation of Founders Hall will create many of these types of spaces. Future renovations/expansion opportunities were identified for Adena and LeFevre Halls as well.
Framework News
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In the News: Ohio State Ready for Next Phase of Carmenton District
On November 12, Ohio State announced the next steps in the planning and development of the Carmenton district, pending full Board of Trustees approval.
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Ohio State Awarded $300K for Multimodal Safety Plan
The Ohio State University’s Columbus campus has been awarded $300,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets for All (SS4A) program for its project, “Protecting Vulnerable Roadway Users: A Multimodal Safety Plan.”
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In the News: Ohio State Invests Nearly $1 Million Into Renovations for Nine Study Locations Across All University Campuses
Nine different collaborative learning projects on the Columbus campus were made possible in fiscal year 2024 thanks to Ohio State’s Framework Learning Space Grant.