University Hubs: Hybrid Spaces Between Campus, Work, and Social Spaces

In recent years work and learning have radically changed to support community-focused, inter-professional, and interdisciplinary engagements. In response, companies and public administrations have been developing networked and dispersed workspaces to grant people access to a variety of places tailored to their needs. Likewise, university campuses have been evolving in the same direction. Aiming to expand into different geographical contexts, universities have been activating off-campus facilities that enact their mission of sustainable development, university-industry connection, and social inclusion. However, the phenomenon is still poorly understood even though evidence exists that it is an expanding trend. This study analyses this emergent phenomenon we call University Hubs by distinguishing it from other similar dynamics and discussing it in the context of the hybridization of spaces for study and work. Through a preliminary case study analysis, the paper reflects on University Hubs as an opportunity for the development of future university models. These spaces can pursue knowledge creation and sharing with diverse communities outside the campus boundaries, but they entail the risk of simply enhancing university visibility in different places without pursuing a true engagement with local communities.