Recognizing that learning happens everywhere, many universities are looking for ways to engage students beyond regular class hours, while also using data-driven decision-making to optimize campus use and efficiency. To drive forward its role as a leading research institution, Wichita State University (WSU) engaged Gensler to update its 10-year campus master plan, building upon the goals set by the Kansas Board of Regents to improve classroom utilization, enhance the campus’ Facility Condition Index (FCI), and create a more active campus.

Gensler created an “18-hour campus” by creating opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and the community to connect on campus. The master plan unites the academic core and the innovation district with a new main lawn that replaces existing buildings and parking areas. New academic facilities and a larger quad support campus activities and connectivity. The master plan promotes an integrated social and learning environment by linking directly to the surrounding community with a vibrant main street district.

This new vision has transformed the underused edge of the campus into its heart and established a framework for a new type of experiential transformation across the school. The master plan makes it easier for students, staff, industry partners, and community members to learn, live, work, and play beyond scheduled class hours. Meanwhile, strategic building demolitions and renovations allow the university to attract unique industry partnerships that are turning WSU into a leading urban public research university.