Princeton PLACES (People, Learning, Access, Culture, Environment, Sustainability)

Princeton University partnered with an interdisciplinary team including ZGF Architects and BranchPattern, to create a pioneering building performance evaluation process known as the Princeton PLACES (People, Learning, Access, Culture, Environment, Sustainability) project. This initiative was designed to establish a comprehensive framework that would guide the design and development of future campus buildings, ensuring they effectively meet the diverse needs of students, faculty, and staff.

The Princeton PLACES project was driven by several key objectives:

• Evaluating building performance and occupant experience through a socio-technical lens.
• Gathering and analyzing data from various sources, including ethnographic fieldwork, surveys, focus groups, and facility assessments.
• Providing actionable recommendations to enhance existing buildings and inform future design decisions.

BranchPattern played an integral role in shaping and managing critical components of this evaluation process. Our contributions included:

• Methodology Development: We devised a robust approach to assess indoor environmental quality, performance data, and thermal imaging results within campus facilities.
• Walkthrough Interviews: Our team conducted comprehensive interviews with building staff and occupants, capturing valuable insights and feedback.
• Ethnographic Fieldwork: We guided in-depth observational studies to document patterns of behavior and interactions within the spaces, providing a richer understanding of how these environments are utilized.

The collaboration culminated in the creation of a streamlined evaluation process, resulting in a detailed report and a searchable database. This database is poised to become an essential tool for Princeton University, empowering the institution to:

• Make well-informed decisions regarding new construction and major renovation projects.
• Continuously enhance building performance and occupant satisfaction.
• Apply lessons learned and best practices from previous projects to future developments.

• BranchPattern's contributions to the Princeton PLACES project have been instrumental in developing a robust evaluation process that places the needs of the Princeton community at the forefront. Our expertise in facility assessments and our deep understanding of the built environment have allowed us to provide meaningful insights and recommendations that will shape the university’s campus development for years to come.