Masterplanning is a term that’s evolved in meaning over time, especially in the context of higher education. According to the Oxford Dictionary, a masterplan is “a large-scale or comprehensive plan of action”, while the Cambridge Dictionary adds that it’s “an organised set of decisions made by one person or a team of people about how to do something in the future”.

But over the years, as we’ve worked extensively in higher education masterplanning, we’ve noticed a shift in how   these plans are approached and understood. Universities used to view masterplanning as a tool for growth. It was all about providing more space to accommodate more students, creating a distinct identity in a competitive market, and replacing outdated buildings that were no longer fit for purpose.

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