Background

At the close of the 2017 Iowa Legislative season, a bill was passed that included repeal of the long-established Art in State Buildings program.  The program required Regent institutions to include within all major capital projects, a set-aside an amount of ½ of 1% of the total project budget of new buildings and major renovations for art and its installation(s) either within or directly outside the project structure.  The University of Iowa made the most of this requirement by adding notable works that have vastly improved the campus setting, exposing the UI campus community to diverse and important art and art styles, and displaying the creative culture that has been such an important part of the UI. With the State’s repeal of the requirement, the institution is faced with a decision regarding this campus improvement vehicle.  While the university could eliminate the .5% funding requirement, it is proposed we continue to improve the campus setting through a revised but similar effort. The removal of the State mandate affords an opportunity to refine and improve upon the program to ensure the investment is maximized, to the campus’ benefit.

Objective

Create a program (in support of the University’s Master Plan) and funding to continually advance the campus landscape, public art, or other visible surface improvements that will “enhance the experience of campus community members and visitors.” 

Campus Pedestrian Walkway

Funding

An account would be set up specific to the program.  It will be used to fund capital improvements as well as continuous maintenance and care of specific elements created by the plan. 

Funds for the CEP do not have to be expended at or within the timeframe of any project.  Instead, a comprehensive plan for campus-based improvements will be established by the Master Planning Team, and in conjunction with the Campus Planning & Development office.  The location and type of improvements are intended to make the most positive campus impact possible.  This program will ensure our UI campus remains a strength for all who visit or use it. 

The CEP will be funded through a small assessment of a project’s estimated construction budget (400 series costs, less contingency within Build UI). All UI projects contribute to the fund, per the following table, except for the following:

  • Projects located on campuses outside of the Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty area.
  • Projects resulting from a disaster (flood, tornado, fire, etc.)
  • Projects that raze or remove a facility.

Size of Project:                                         

  • Under $100,000                                       
  • $100,000 - $50,000,000                           
  • $50,000,001 - $ 100,000,000                   
  • Over $100,000,000  

 Contribution:

  • 0% - No contribution
  • 0.5%
  • 0.5% for first $50M, 0.25% for balance.
  • Fixed $375,000                               

Management

The program will be managed by the University’s Master Planning Team (MPT). Campus Planning and Development will provide administrative support to the Master Planning Team.  The MPT will prioritize improvements that advance the Campus Master Plan.  The Campus Enhancement Program will consider:

  • Improvement types and locations.
  • Annual and long-term priorities.
  • Best use for funds.
  • Requests for CEP funds.
  • Care and maintenance needs to support installations made possible through this program.
  • Costs for planned projects and related care.

 

Members of the Master Planning Team include:

  • Campus Landscape Architect
  • Campus Architect/Planner
  • FM Representative (Building Services)
  • Director Parking and Transportation
  • Athletics Representative
  • UIHC Representative
  • University Business Manager
  • AVP Facilities Management
  • Utilities Representative
  • Student Life Representative
  • Housing Representative

The Committee will forward recommendations to the Campus Planning Committee and Campus Development Team per the University’s campus planning and development process. Enhancements will be planned and approved in advance and included in the University’s Campus Development Plan.

Commencement

  • Communicate with Campus Planning Committee, September 4, 2018.
  • Master Planning Team to create enhancement plan per master planning objectives.
  • Begin with new projects (pre-design) requesting budget approval on or after September 13, 2018.

The Campus Enhancement Plan is an ongoing series of exterior site projects that help advance the Campus Master Plan.  Each project within the plan is embedded in the University’s Campus Development Plan as a subset of planned campus improvements. 

Governance:

  • The plan is developed and MANAGED by the Master Planning Team with administrative support of the Campus Planning and Development Unit.
  • The plan is REVIEWED by the Campus Planning Committee (CPC).  The CPC provides input on a continuous basis to help scope and prioritize projects.
  • The plan is APPROVED by the Campus Development Team. This includes the priority of improvements as well as the overall scope of each project. 

Enhancements can include, but are not limited to:
  • Landscape improvements
  • Site based art installations
  • Wayfinding improvements other than directional signs

Enhancements DO NOT include:
  • Transportation related directional signs.
  • Repair of site assets or furnishings.
  • Clean-up or site mitigation.
  • Required accessibility projects.
  • Utility infrastructure.

Enhancements must:
  • Be exterior improvements to the campus.
  • Support and advance the campus master plan.
  • Be included in the Campus Development Plan.
  • Approved by the Master Planning Team.
  • Be located on University Property.
  • Include a plan for ongoing maintenance.

Campus units can:
  • Provide input and submit requests to the Master Planning Team. This is done through a member of the Master Planning Team who acts as a sponsor to that improvement.
  • Suggest cost-sharing or supplemental funding to strengthen its potential for success. 

The Master Planning Team will:
  • Report progress of the CEP to the Campus Development Team on a continuous basis.
  • Assure the plan and all included projects follow the campus Master Plan.
  • Recommend highest and best use of limited resources.

Campus Planning and Development will:
  • Maintain the plan per the MPT’s recommendations.
  • Provide technical and professional support.