Opinion: Campus construction ‘a clear sign of community strength’

Mike Rakes

Across history, the spaces we build have shaped the way societies think, gather and innovate. From the Greek agora and Roman Forum to medieval cathedrals and modern convention centers, architecture has always been more than construction. It expresses shared priorities and helps shape the way communities gather and grow.

Today, as higher education navigates rapid change, physical campuses remain central to how the next generation learns, collaborates and prepares for the workforce. A thriving campus signals a thriving community, because the spaces where students learn are the same spaces where future leaders and industries take root.

Studies in both business and education confirm what we instinctively know: Environment influences behavior. The design of a workplace impacts productivity, and the design of a campus impacts learning. Classrooms built for flexibility encourage collaboration. Laboratories with modern equipment open doors to innovation. Student centers and common areas create opportunities for connection and belonging.

Physical spaces are never neutral. They communicate what an institution values and cultivate habits of thought and interaction. When campuses are thoughtfully designed, they help students imagine their future – and prepare them to step into it.

Every era has had its gathering places. The agora served as the center of Greek city life, where commerce, art, politics and relationships converged. The Forum became the civic and cultural heart of Rome. In the Middle Ages, cathedrals were not only houses of worship but also hubs of community activity. In the 20th century, sports stadiums, shopping malls and convention centers all reflected society’s growing need for large-scale spaces of gathering and exchange.

Even cyberspace, our latest “architecture,” shows how deeply humans crave connection. But digital gathering has its limits. Virtual platforms connect us across distances, yet they cannot replicate the sense of place, belonging and shared presence that physical environments provide.

This is why the design of university campuses matters: They must do more than house classrooms. They must inspire, connect and create opportunities for face-to-face collaboration that digital tools cannot replace.

Construction on a college campus is not just about higher education – it’s also about community life and local economies. Building projects bring immediate benefits to architects, engineers, contractors and suppliers. But the impact extends well beyond the construction phase.

Thriving campuses attract students, faculty and visitors who contribute to the region’s economic health. They often serve as cultural and civic anchors, hosting fine arts performances, athletic events and community gatherings. A strong campus presence signals to local businesses, workers and investors that the region values education, innovation and long-term competitiveness.

The current generation of students is coming of age in a paradox. They are the most digitally connected, yet often the most socially isolated. For them, a university’s physical spaces are not just conveniences – they are essentials. Campuses provide places where friendships are formed, teamwork is practiced and civic engagement takes root.

A college campus functions as a training ground for the soft skills and collaborative capacities that employers consistently rank as top recruitment priorities. When designed well, they simulate the environments of modern workplaces, preparing graduates not only with knowledge but with the ability to thrive in diverse, team-driven settings.

French philosopher Michel Foucault argued that architecture is a form of power. While he often saw it in negative terms, the same insight can also be viewed positively: Physical design has the power to spark creativity and foster exploration.

On a college campus, this means that buildings are never just buildings. They are statements of vision. They invite students to think boldly and imagine new solutions to society’s most pressing challenges.

The campuses constructed today will serve generations to come. A facility built in 2025 may shape tens of thousands of students over the next 50 years. That perspective calls for intentional design – spaces that are adaptable, sustainable and aligned with the evolving needs of education and industry.

For business and civic leaders alike, the presence of cranes on a campus skyline should be seen as a sign of vitality. It represents more than expansion; it represents a community’s commitment to education, innovation and the preparation of future leaders.

The enduring value of a university’s physical spaces within its community cannot be ignored. College campuses, like the great gathering places of history, stand as the modern arenas where learning translates into leadership and business professionals of tomorrow begin their preparation.

Mike Rakes serves as the president of Evangel University. He can be reached at
president@evangel.edu.