More than 800 students, staff, faculty and others stopped by the Wond’ry April 19 to learn about FutureVU, Vanderbilt’s campus land use planning initiative, and how the university’s built environment might change over the next 20-30 years.
The FutureVU Expo featured interactive exhibits—including posters, diagrams, historic and current photographs, maps and models—over three floors of the building.
“We’re thrilled that so many members of the community participated in the expo,” Eric Kopstain, vice chancellor for administration, said. “Our students, faculty and staff have been deeply engaged in this process, and the abundance of innovative ideas shared at the expo reflect their creativity and vision for our campus.”
On the first floor were displays outlining FutureVU’s guiding principles, as well as a history and timeline of campus land use at Vanderbilt. A short film about the history of campus land use planning produced by the Vanderbilt Institute for Digital Learning was available for viewing, and expo attendees lined up to take a turn at the Vanderbilt campus past and present 360-degree virtual reality experience.
The second floor featured information about campus building projects that are currently underway, including the residential college at the former Vanderbilt Barnard site; the baseball facilities project; planned additions to Eskind Biomedical Library, the School of Nursing and the Divinity School; proposed changes to the West End Avenue neighborhood; and suggestions for graduate and professional student housing. Also available for viewing were 3D models of the new residential college as well as the entire Vanderbilt campus.
On the third floor were stations providing information about sustainability and transportation initiatives at Vanderbilt, including recycling, energy and water conservation, greenways, biking and alternative transportation, smart cities and more.
Areas were designated on each floor of the expo so that participants could brainstorm and provide feedback. The event also featured giveaways including food, T-shirts and prizes.
Hundreds of faculty, students, staff and trustees have participated in FutureVU since its fall 2015 launch. Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos appointed the FutureVU Faculty Advisory Committee to develop detailed recommendations, and working groups have examined graduate and professional student housing and transportation. The administration has collaborated with Vanderbilt Student Government and engaged Nashville community leaders to gather feedback.
For more information about campus land use planning at Vanderbilt, visit the FutureVU website.
