Chapter 3: The Plan - Vision, Principles, and Design Frameworks

The Vision for 2035

The Campus Plan 2035 envisions a right-sized, sustainable, and inspiring campus that strengthens academic excellence, promotes well-being, and celebrates Oakland’s unique sense of place. Every investment, whether in a classroom renovation, landscape restoration, or technology upgrade advances this vision of connection and purpose.

The Five Big Drivers

1. Student Success & Belonging: Every OU student should feel that the campus was built for them. CP35 invests in spaces that foster curiosity, collaboration, and care.
2. Discovery & Innovation: Research and creative expression drive OU’s impact. The plan builds the infrastructure to support interdisciplinary work that addresses the world’s challenges.
3. Stewardship of Place: OU’s natural and cultural assets are irreplaceable. Protecting them is essential to our identity.
4. Mobility & Connectivity: The campus must function as a connected ecosystem;physically, digitally, and socially.
5. Resilience & Adaptability: OU must remain nimble, ready to evolve with changing demographics, technologies, and environmental realities.

District Frameworks

Each area of campus;academic, residential, recreational, ecological;will be guided by district-level plans that balance local needs with the broader vision. The frameworks address building renewal, landscape continuity, access, and sustainability.

• Academic Core: Focus on collaborative learning, accessible design, and adaptable research spaces.
• Residential District: Integrate living-learning communities and sustainable building practices.
• Student Life District: Enhance wellness, engagement, and cultural programming at the heart of campus.
• Sustainability Corridors: Strengthen ecological connectivity between preserves and green infrastructure.
• Technology Network: Create an integrated digital backbone for the smart campus.

Design Guidelines

Future development will reflect OU’s character: human-scaled, inclusive, and environmentally conscious. Materials will emphasize durability and local identity. Building orientation, lighting, and landscape integration will promote energy efficiency and accessibility. Public art and gathering spaces will celebrate the creativity and diversity of our campus community.