Planning Objectives

Improving the amount and quality of information related to the space inventory and condition of Northwestern's Facilities is one of the main priorities of the Office of Planning. This includes the continuing development of systems to accurately and comprehensively collect, store, and distribute this information. Target areas include:

• Implementation of alphanumeric and graphic space information systems, the most immediate focus of which is verification of organized research space, including leased locations, as part of indirect cost rate negotiations with the Federal government;
• Collection and analysis of information related to deferred maintenance and ADA improvements, including implementation of systems to store and process this information;
• Documentation and analysis of information related to parking, pedestrian movement, and the context of buildings on the Evanston and Chicago campuses.

This information complements ongoing project programming and campus planning efforts, on which there has been a greater emphasis as the systems infrastructure and base of information are developed to support a strategic planning approach. These efforts not only help support FMO's maintenance functions and FMDC's project management activities, but supply the University's administrative and academic units with data to support decisions related to facilities development and space allocation.