Temporary Modular Units

Background
The provost has asked the MPC for advice on how to consider proposals for the installation of modular buildings on campus. On an ideal campus (to which we aspire) with good planning and buildings and space allocations, aesthetic considerations would argue against placement of modular units within main campus traffic corridors and lands. However, given our realities of quickly changing initiatives, near decadal long latencies for major building initiatives, and a genuine space crisis for existing programs (especially on the West Ridge where proposals for modular units have originated), we believe some flexibility is justified to provide UAF with a nimbleness to grow and change in response to worthwhile and lasting opportunities. With these aspirations and realities in mind, the Master Planning Committee makes the following recommendations concerning new and replacement modular units.

Recommendations

1. Modular units will be considered for use on the UAF campus strictly as temporary solutions to space shortages. Units requesting a modular unit will be required to document the need for temporary space, as well as present a plan for the eventual permanent location of the activity. Space Planning and Management will evaluate each request. Modular units may not be used for storage on campus. All units will be removed from service as soon as a permanent location becomes available.
2. Modular units must meet all applicable building codes. Requirements for fire suppression, utility hook-ups including fiber optic cable, building proximities, etc. will limit likely placement locations. These functional-needs requirements will be researched and addressed in the request
3. Modules will not be located near sites preferred for road improvements and will not impact the present trails system. Parking is to be impacted before prized green spaces.
4. Locations for modules will reflect functional relationships between the faculty, students, and staff that will occupy them and with their units. Modules should be integrated into existing niches, and architectural details on modular units should be in keeping with nearby buildings. Sloped roofs are strongly recommended.
5. Proposals for each modular unit will be brought before the MPC individually using the MPC-requested process of information from Facilities Services, and will be followed by a recommendation to the chancellor.
6. Excluded from these recommendations are temporary modular units on campus as part of capital construction projects.

MPC Recommendations Approved and Submitted: Meeting of February 22, 2001

Recommendations directory

University of Alaska Fairbanks
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