The world of hall planning, design, and construction is filled with specialized terminology. Here’s how to decode the jargon and why it matters.
By Nadia Zhiri
Scene: A university conference room. Outside the large windows, students stroll by on the way to their classes. Inside, several campus administrators sit around a large table to discuss the new residence hall project. At the front of the room stands a pair of visiting architects. Colorful images fill the presentation projected on the screen while a scale model of the building sits on the table. One of the architects speaks.
“During the charrette1, the massing2 was established, and the program was tested with an initial concept3 and then reconciled with the GMP4.”
You look around the table. A few people nod. Others glance down at their handouts. The architect continues.
“Of course, as we progress through the process, new opportunities will arise in materiality5, building envelope6, and economy of scale while we create a student experience in wayfinding7.”
You throw some side-eye as you frantically scribble down these terms. “What language are they speaking? Does everyone else understand this?” you think nervously. Even the finance representative looks to be taking it all in.
“The north face is along the main campus arterial path8. Articulated by an arcade9, the interior circulation has fenestration10 mullions11 that align with the façade’s12 stone pattern and the path’s configuration. Building entrances to the path have cantilevered13 awnings, creating a transition between these two experiences.”
You jot some more notes, growing more frantic. Everything sounds like technobabble pulled from the latest science fiction movie.
Just then, the project lead turns to you and asks, “So, what do you think about all this?”
You pause. “Ummmm...” (Fade out.)
Scenes like this hypothetical scenario regularly play out on campuses as housing professionals strive to contribute their knowledge and articulate their needs. They have a deep understanding of community development theory inside and out. They have an accurate understanding of budgets, and their connection to occupancy projections is well understood. They have assessed and carefully considered students’ needs and have evaluated existing programs. They may also have an innate, subconscious awareness of how residence hall design shapes the student experience.
However, to make the greatest impact, housing professionals must expand their knowledge of facility design and construction. The first step in this process is mastering the specialized language and procedures involved. Simply put, when housing professionals can talk the talk, they are better equipped to walk the walk.
Don Yackley, assistant vice president for student affairs at the University of Houston, was open about how, coming from a residential life background, his exposure to facilities, planning, and design was minimal. “Lacking a solid understanding of university project funding, such as bonds, institutional debt capacity, debt-service coverage ratios, approval pathways, acronyms, and industry jargon, initially slowed me down, and then adding to my confusion were the complexities of the different project delivery methods14,” he says. “What helped me navigate these challenges was a willingness to do research and a commitment to asking questions. I've learned that advocating for students, student housing, my division, and my institution makes it worth the time to seek clarity. I no longer hesitate to ask the stupid questions because knowing the answers is essential to making informed decisions. This helps ensure the project's success and serves the best interests of everyone involved.”
Hemlata Jhaveri, senior associate vice chancellor at the University of California, San Diego, expresses a similar sentiment. “As one would expect, the more you know about the design and construction process, the better you will be able to navigate and engage in the different process phases15. It is important to realize that you are the housing expert at the table. It is easy to get lost in the jargon and feel out of place, but your input is critical to the project's success, and everyone at the table looks forward to your input. Your direction and guidance on the program goals will lay the foundation for the project.”
It's also critically important that users are engaged early on in the process. In many cases, the facilities and planning departments lead the initial phases of a project and bring in housing and residence life staff later, notes Ana Hernandez, associate vice president of auxiliary services at the University of South Florida. Doing so creates a disconnect and leads to overlooked details. “By being involved from the start, we professionals can identify functional issues directly impacting operations, ensuring a more seamless and efficient outcome.”
Language can be confusing in the best of circumstances. For example, when a residence life professional mentions a program, they likely refer to an event such as an educational session or community-building exercise. In contrast, to architects, a program16 is a document that outlines a building project’s goals, objectives, and conditions. The outcome is a list of spaces that includes details about their sizes, components, and requirements: all the information an architect would need to design a building. Still, whether through context clues or general usage, many housing professionals will be familiar with fundamental architectural terms, such as glazing17 and circulation18. But when things start rolling, an entirely new world of language comes into play.
Architects would be the first to admit that they have a propensity for jargon and technical speak, and they often ignore Mark Twain’s advice not to use a $5 word when a 50¢ word will do. The complexities of their language, though, also reflect the intricacies of the work. Construction and renovation projects involve more than just the aesthetics and style of the structure. Building systems19 (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) must be factored in. There are considerations about finance and funding models. There are constant developments regarding safety, sustainability, and other regulations. Most of all, though, the physical structure must meet the students' and staff's tangible and intangible needs. For all these reasons, the work of an architect is filled with precise attention to detail and requires a professional dexterity that allows them to pivot and adapt as the project progresses. And for those same reasons, housing staff, with their unique knowledge and skillset, are vital contributors to the process. Furthering their knowledge of these processes and expanding their vocabulary will help position them as they earn and then hold their proverbial seat at the table.
The language used to refer to architectural features, processes, styles, materials, and strategies is extensive. Derek Jackson, associate vice president of student life at Kansas State University, highlights the importance of understanding key terms and their impact when he stresses the need for a clear grasp of the project schedule, responsibilities at each phase, and legal risks tied to contractual agreements when navigating the design and construction process. Continually researching new terms and maintaining a personal glossary can further enhance knowledge and expertise. For example, housing professionals should know the difference between hard costs20 and soft costs21.
When non-architects make an effort to understand how to speak like an architect, it symbolizes the respect of multiple experts and viewpoints at the table. Kirsten Kennedy, associate vice president of student affairs at the University of South Carolina, explains that hall planning, design, and construction are too often influenced by the unexpected contributions of people who have power in the process but may not know what students want and need the way housing professionals do. “They may not understand that designing a residence hall differs from designing a hotel or an off-campus apartment complex. One of the roles that a residence life professional should play is articulating this difference and backing it up with research and assessment that supports the important role residence halls can play.”
Even as housing professionals build up their credentials and knowledge, the pitfalls of jargon can work both ways. As Jhaveri emphasizes, “It is important to recognize that every team at the table comprises experts in their field, including housing professionals. As a student affairs housing professional, you bring unique terms, acronyms, and concepts specific to student affairs and housing, often without realizing it. The same is true for other teams, each with their own industry-specific language. The best way to bridge this gap is to ask for clarification. Don’t be intimidated; most people are willing to explain their work, just as you would be. Asking questions enhances your understanding and encourages more transparent communication, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.”
This knowledge shouldn’t be limited to senior housing officers. All housing and residence life staff should benefit from hearing and learning about the building that is being constructed or renovated, hopefully empowering the next generation of leaders while also fostering more buy-in from staff on projects. Allan Blattner, executive director of housing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is actively developing his team’s expertise. “As we begin a 10-year master plan with numerous renovations and new construction projects, we aim to enhance staff knowledge of design and construction. We wanted to raise the level of knowledge our staff have about the basics of construction and design. There are lots of questions about the process and how decisions are made. We plan to offer a primer in one of our departmental meetings as well as other more in-depth sessions for those who wish to attend. In providing this training, we hope to be able to raise the level of dialogue we’ll have about the projects, which will lead to buildings that best meet the needs of students and staff.”
As another example, Ana Hernandez emphasizes the importance of staff having a working knowledge of infrastructure, such as understanding the difference between two-pipe and four-pipe fan coil systems22. Consider this scenario: It’s late April, and residents approach hall staff, complaining that their rooms feel uncomfortably cold – as if the air conditioning is on – even though the heat was running the previous week. Frontline staff need to explain what’s happening. They can clarify that the building has a two-pipe system, which can provide only heating or only cooling at a given time, requiring a building-wide switch by facilities maintenance. In the meantime, staff might suggest that residents wear a sweater, as temperatures will likely rise the next day. (By contrast, a four-pipe system allows for an easy transition between heating and cooling.)
The key to bridging the gap between facilities and housing staff during the building process, Hernandez stresses, can be summed up in the phrase, “Knowing doesn’t mean handing them the wrench.” It’s not about performing repairs but rather understanding systems, effectively communicating with students, and advocating for necessary improvements. This approach underscores the value of housing professionals contributing insights throughout the design and construction process and ensuring that staff are informed about key decisions.
Everyone benefits from open minds and a healthy desire to learn more from others. “Curiosity is key,” says Jackson. “Stand up, ask questions, and seek knowledge. Remember that relationships build buildings. Train yourself to listen actively, ask thoughtful questions, and solve problems. These are skills that serve you well in any profession.”
While years of experience provide knowledge, confidence, and a voice in project planning, design, and construction, housing and residence life professionals can accelerate their professional growth by focusing on steps such as mastering the process and terminology. That means understanding the planning, design, and construction process, along with key industry terms. They should also embrace their role as a housing expert. Those insights are essential to project success and long-term operations. They should stay curious and engaged by asking questions, seeking knowledge, and actively participating in discussions. They should foster strong relationships through collaboration with stakeholder experts to enhance decision-making and project outcomes. They must develop financial literacy to understand funding sources, budgeting, and key success factors. If they do all those things, then they will be prepared and will add value to the project, leveraging their expertise to provide meaningful contributions at every stage. By focusing on these areas, they can establish themselves as knowledgeable and influential leaders in the field of campus facility design and construction.
Charrette: The design or planning activity during which designers draft a solution to a design problem, utilizing dialogue between a diverse group of decision-makers and stakeholders.
Massing: A massing model is a physical representation of the shape, form, and size of a building.
Initial Concept: An early element of the basic architectural services, where broad ideas and concepts are translated into preliminary drawings and layouts. It is the foundation for the project's design direction, addressing spatial organization, functionality, massing, and aesthetics while considering site conditions, client requirements, and regulatory constraints.
Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP): A construction contract in which the contractor agrees to complete the project for a price that will not exceed a set maximum limit. If the actual costs exceed this price, the contractor is responsible for covering the difference unless there are changes in scope or other unforeseen conditions that justify adjustments.
Materiality: Selecting and using materials in a design with consideration about how materials affect a building's aesthetics, functionality, and environmental impact.
Building Envelope: The physical barrier between the interior and exterior environments of a building. The components include the exterior walls, windows, doors, roof, foundation, and any other structural elements that separate the buildings’ conditions from the outside environment.
Wayfinding: Strategies, design elements, and systems that help people navigate and orient themselves within a built environment.
Arterial Path: A path, hallway, stairwell, or other passage that directs people in desired directions.
Arcade: A covered walkway with a series of arches supported by a row of columns on one or both sides.
Fenestration: The design, arrangement, and placement of openings in a building's envelope, including windows, doors, skylights, curtain walls, and other glazed elements.
Mullion: A vertical member separating (and often supporting) windows, doors, or panels set in a series.
Façade: Generally, the front part or exterior of a building. Often considered the most important aspect of a design.
Cantilever: A structural element that extends horizontally and is supported at only one end, with the other end projecting beyond its support without additional vertical support.
Project Delivery Method: The specific approach used to organize, manage, and execute a construction project from inception to completion. It outlines the roles, responsibilities, and relationships between the key stakeholders (such as the client, architect, contractor, and consultants) and determines how risks, costs, and timelines are managed. Examples are design-bid-build (DBB), design-build (DB), and construction manager at risk (CMAR).
Process Phases: Distinct phases that guide an architectural project from initial concept to completion. Each phase involves specific tasks, deliverables, and stakeholder collaboration. The typical phases of architectural design are pre-design, schematic design (SD), design development (DD), construction documents (CDS), bidding, construction contract administration (CA), and post-occupation and close-out.
Program: Outlines a project’s goals, purpose, conditions, and objectives. Prepared by or for an owner, with or without an architect’s assistance, the program includes detailed requirements such as a complete listing of the rooms required, their sizes, special facilities, etc.
Glazing: Setting glass in an opening. The glass surface of a glazed opening.
Circulation: How people move through and interact with a building. Corridors, elevators, stairs, and ramps are typical interior circulation elements.
Building Systems: Integrated and interdependent components that contribute to the functionality, safety, comfort, and efficiency of a building. The primary building systems include structural, envelope, mechanical (heating and cooling), electrical, plumbing, fire protection, communication and security, vertical transportation system, acoustic, and sustainability.
Hard Costs: Also known as construction costs. Hard costs are the direct expenses associated with the physical construction of a building and site development. They include all the scope, expenses, and responsibilities of a contractor to perform by contract.
Soft Costs: Sometimes referred to as development costs, the indirect, non-physical costs associated with a building project. Unlike hard costs, which are directly related to the construction (materials, labor, equipment), soft costs involve all the expenses that are not tied to the physical construction process but are essential for the project's planning, management, and legal aspects, such as design fees, permitting, financing costs, and furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FFE).
Fan Coil Unit (FCU): In air conditioning, a unit (which is in the space being air-conditioned) that contains an air filter, air heating and/or cooling coils, and a centrifugal fan. The Fan Coil 2-pipe system provides either heating or cooling through an FCU using a single pair of pipes, one for supply and one for return. The Fan Coil 4-pipe system provides heating and cooling simultaneously through an FCU using two separate supply and return pipes: one pair for chilled water and one for hot water. This allows for greater flexibility and individual zone control within a building.
Nadia Zhiri is a principal at Treanor, an architectural firm, specializing in the planning and design of Student Life buildings. This will be the first in a series of articles covering how to improve collaboration between housing departments and architects. A larger glossary of architectural terms is available on the Treanor website.
