How Can Universities Make Better Use Of Their Existing Space?
By HATZ Tertiary Education Team | Last reviewed September 2026
Universities are under increasing pressure to do more with the space they already have.
Student expectations continue to evolve. Teaching methods are changing. Research activities are growing more specialised. At the same time, institutions face competing capital priorities and increasing pressure to demonstrate the value of every investment.
In this environment, the first question should not always be:
Do we need more buildings?
Often, the better question is:
Are we using our existing space effectively?
Many campuses contain hidden capacity that can be unlocked through better planning, adaptive reuse and evidence-based decision-making.
The challenge is not simply finding more space. It is making better use of the space that already exists.
The HATZ Space Optimisation Framework
When evaluating campus space, HATZ considers six key factors:
- Space Utilisation
- Functional Performance
- User Experience
- Flexibility and Adaptability
- Building Capability
- Long-Term Campus Strategy
The most valuable campuses are not necessarily the largest. They are the ones that use their assets effectively.
Why Existing Space Matters
Many universities have developed over decades.
Buildings have been extended.
Functions have changed.
Faculties have moved.
Technology has transformed teaching and research practices.
As a result, campuses often contain:
- underutilised rooms;
- duplicated functions;
- inefficient layouts;
- spaces no longer aligned with institutional priorities; and
- opportunities that have never been fully explored.
Before expanding a campus, institutions should understand how existing assets are performing.
Start With Understanding Space Utilisation
One of the most valuable questions any institution can ask is:
How is this space actually being used?
Perceptions are not always accurate.
A room that appears busy may sit vacant for much of the week.
Conversely, a facility that appears underutilised may support critical activities that are difficult to relocate.
Understanding utilisation helps identify opportunities and avoid assumptions.
More Space Is Not Always The Answer
Universities often respond to growth pressures by considering new buildings.
Sometimes this is appropriate.
However, new construction is not the only option.
Alternative strategies may include:
- repurposing existing buildings;
- reconfiguring layouts;
- consolidating activities;
- introducing shared facilities;
- improving scheduling; and
- creating more flexible environments.
Many institutions are surprised by how much additional value existing assets can provide.
Flexibility Helps Space Work Harder
Highly specialised spaces may perform well for one activity while remaining unusable for others.
Flexible environments allow institutions to respond more effectively to changing demands.
Examples include:
- adaptable teaching spaces;
- multipurpose learning environments;
- shared collaboration areas;
- flexible workspaces; and
- reconfigurable support spaces.
Flexibility improves utilisation and often extends the useful life of the asset.
User Experience Should Not Be Overlooked
Space utilisation is important, but so is experience.
A heavily utilised facility is not automatically successful.
Questions include:
- Is the space comfortable?
- Does it support learning effectively?
- Does it encourage collaboration?
- Is it accessible?
- Does it promote wellbeing?
The objective is not to maximise occupancy at all costs.
The objective is to create spaces that support better outcomes for the people using them.
Adaptive Reuse Often Reveals Hidden Opportunities
Existing buildings frequently contain untapped potential.
Former offices may become student spaces.
Underused teaching rooms may become collaboration environments.
Ageing facilities may support entirely new functions.
Adaptive reuse can unlock value while avoiding the cost, disruption and environmental impact associated with new construction.
Sometimes the most valuable space on campus is the space that is already there.
Look Beyond Individual Buildings
Space planning works best when viewed at a campus scale.
A room may appear underperforming when examined in isolation but become strategically important when considered as part of the broader campus network.
Questions include:
- How does the space support adjacent facilities?
- What role does it play in campus operations?
- Are there opportunities for consolidation?
- Could functions be reorganised more effectively?
The strongest decisions consider the campus as a connected system rather than a collection of individual buildings.
Data Supports Better Decisions
Successful campus planning increasingly relies on evidence rather than assumptions.
Useful information may include:
- utilisation rates;
- timetabling data;
- operational requirements;
- user feedback;
- building-condition information; and
- future strategic objectives.
When combined, these insights help institutions identify where investment will have the greatest impact.
Think About Long-Term Value
The goal of space optimisation is not simply improving utilisation this year.
It is about creating assets that continue delivering value over time.
Questions include:
- Can the space adapt to changing needs?
- Does it support future growth?
- Can it accommodate evolving teaching methods?
- Is it easy to maintain?
- Does it support institutional priorities?
Long-term value should always be considered alongside short-term performance.
The Bottom Line For Institutions
Before investing in additional buildings, universities should understand how effectively their existing assets are being used.
Many campuses contain opportunities that can be unlocked through better planning, adaptive reuse and strategic investment.
The most successful institutions focus not simply on increasing floor area but on increasing value.
For HATZ, effective campus planning is about helping institutions make the most of the assets they already have while preparing for the opportunities ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is space utilisation?
Space utilisation measures how effectively rooms, facilities and buildings are being used over time.
Does low utilisation always mean a space should be removed?
No. Some spaces support specialised activities and may remain strategically important even if utilisation appears low.
Can adaptive reuse improve campus utilisation?
Yes. Repurposing underused buildings or spaces can significantly improve overall campus performance.
Should utilisation alone drive planning decisions?
No. User experience, operational requirements, future flexibility and strategic value should also be considered.
When should universities assess space utilisation?
Regularly. Utilisation reviews help institutions make informed decisions about future investment and campus planning.
Related Reading
- What Is A Campus Renewal Strategy And Why Does It Matter?
- When Should Universities Refurbish, Repurpose or Replace a Building?
- Why Do Education Projects Need A Feasibility Study Before Design Begins?
- When Is Adaptive Reuse Better Than Building New?
- How Do Universities Prioritise Ageing Campus Assets?
Planning A Campus Renewal Or Space Optimisation Project?
Whether you're reviewing a single building or evaluating an entire campus portfolio, HATZ can help identify opportunities, assess performance and unlock greater value from existing assets.