Guest Blogger: Cars, Parking, and Costs

One of the guest bloggers this month on the Chronicle's Buildings & Grounds blog is yet another SCUPer—David McIntyre of Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc.

Last week I sat through interviews to select a master-plan consultant for a mid-size university. The university has grown steadily the last 10 years, and is seeking to update its master plan. We are advising the university (and its selection committee) on transportation, infrastructure, and stormwater issues.

Each of the firms was highly qualified and gave a very good presentation. There were common threads: All sought to be sustainable in their approach; all focused on place-making and on spaces for socializing and exchanging ideas; all were visionary and supported the mission of the university. The planning process was to be participatory and inclusive. The presentation materials were seductive. One firm presented sepia-toned plans supported by gauzy watercolor vignettes representing a vision of what the campus could be in the future. Remarkably, the vision was car-free.