Constructing the Interdisciplinary Ivory Tower: The Planning of Interdisciplinary Spaces on University Campuses

This article from Planning for Higher Education by Michael S. Harris and Karri Holley reports on an analysis of strategic and campus plans at 21 research institutions and the resulting lessons learned regarding planning and nurturing interdisciplinary space.

The demand for interdisciplinary teaching and research suggests the need to understand how universities are undertaking and fostering interdisciplinarity. Through an examination of strategic and master plans at 21 research universities, this article explores how institutions plan and foster interdisciplinary engagement through the use of space on campus. The construction of such space acknowledges that the discrete functions of the university, frequently attributed to the disciplines and departments, are not generally conducive to interdisciplinary engagement. Physical space is a necessary component for successful interdisciplinary initiatives both functionally and symbolically.

Citation
Michael S. Harris and Karri Holley. 2008. Constructing the Interdisciplinary Ivory Tower: The Planning of Interdisciplinary Spaces on University Campuses. Planning for Higher Education. 36(3): 34–43.