Duke University Research Drive Master Plan

Long-Term Vision for Growth

The Master Plan develops a long-term vision for the build-out of an interdisciplinary research and teaching precinct for all schools and is a joint project between Duke University and its Medical School.

The study develops a long-range plan for a critical parcel between the Medical Center and the University. The scope includes 37 existing buildings, totaling 3.5M GSF; and represents 500 faculty from the Arts & Sciences, Pratt Engineering, the Nicholas School of the Environment, and the Medical School.

The goal of the Plan was to assist Duke leadership in reaching a collective vision for the research and teaching enterprise, as it relates to science, math, engineering, and medicine while blurring the boundaries.

The Plan developed a three-phase approach: short-term opportunities, mid-term capital projects, and a long-term, large-scale shift of faculty and programs that strengthen the University’s research and teaching enterprise. The Plan became the tool for testing options by setting out move-chains and priorities.