Millennials typically consider a college's environmental commitment when choosing an institution, as evidenced by the growing importance of an annual green ranking by "The Princeton Review." Consequently, many colleges are investing in geothermal heating and cooling, passive ventilation, solar water heating and insulated windows. Sustainability expert Jerry Yudelson calculates that an institution can save 30 to 50 percent in energy usage by going green.
Limited space for expansion, combined with student expectations and a growing female student population, is changing the face of fitness centers, libraries and dining halls. The United States Sports Academy notes that new fitness facilities incorporate health, wellness, counseling and rehabilitation services. Other design trends include rooftop playing fields, climbing walls, elevated tracks and large, cardio-fitness areas. Consulting firm Interdesign notes that libraries will accommodate the "socially based, informal learning 24/7" of the millennials. That translates into dedicated video, multimedia, cafes and computer facilities within the library. Dining halls will include coffeehouses.
Residence hall trends--air-conditioned, suite-style and single rooms with private baths; communal space on each floor; coffee shops; fitness rooms; kitchens and courtyards--seek to maintain institutional competitiveness. Ensuring adequate electrical power for the increasing number of student appliances and its installation will continue to concern contractors.
Tailoring classroom buildings for millennial learning involves incorporating "real world" stations such as television studios, hospital rooms and forensic labs, according to education design specialist Linda Pye. Larger spaces with wall-writing, technology to serve traditional and on-line students and glass doors characterize the new classroom.