Projects | University City Exchange

In response to ASU’s first New American University design imperatives, Leverage our Place, the essential purpose of the University City Exchange (UCX) is to exemplify the notion of the university as an idea engine and in doing so optimize the deep intellectual and research assets of the university by applying them to significant questions or opportunities within our man-made environments.

The work of UCX reflects the broad scope of the New American University philosophy, responding to solution-based projects in multiple sectors including:

Architecture
City networks
Design thinking
Strategic urban planning

Smart cities
Placemaking
Urban design
Autonomous vehicles

Urban development
Sustainable design
Real estate development and partnerships

The University City Exchange is dedicated to the design of mutually beneficial partnerships between the institution and the locations where we have a presence. This is reflected in thoughtful urban planning, building location, sustainability practices, and public realm integration that is the hallmark of great cities and campuses.
Wellington "Duke" ReiterUCX Executive Director and Special Advisor to the President

UCX Projects

The UCX has been instrumental in leading,conceptualizing,andprovidingconsultingservicesfora number of regional and global projectsexemplifying the institution’s commitment toenhancing its impact and social embeddednessforthecommunities it serves locally, regionally,nationally,and globally

Featured UCX projects

McCain Leadership Center at Papago Park Planning

The McCain Leadership Center will provide an international venue for bilateral and multilateral research, communication, exchange of ideas, and training involving U.S. and foreign military, civilian, and non-governmental participants, utilizing their unique academic forums to build strong, sustainable international networks of security leaders.

Learn about McCain Center

ASU building with purple, blue and red vertical lights along the side

ASU at Mesa City Center Planning

UCX works closely with both ASU and City of Mesa to envision and develop a world-class hub for immersive media innovation, filmmaking and the locale for digital companies and ideas in science, technology and the arts.

Learn about ASU Mesa City Center

Mayo/ASU Health Futures Center

The ASU Health Futures Center represents the collaboration between Arizona State University and the Mayo Clinic with the shared goal of improving health and well-being outcomes to the community.

Learn about Health Futures Center

Outdoor plaza between buildings, with trees and an overhead covering

The Central Idea - Downtown Phoenix

The Central Idea prompts a redefinition of street, park, museum, university, event, city, and communityfor the context of an arid environment. Positioned along a 1.5-mile course of Central Avenue, theessential spine of Phoenix, the project seeksto capitalize on the latent potential of Central Avenue, ourfundamental organizing boulevard, to communicate our grandest ambitions in the most vivid manner.

Learn about the Central Idea

Planning and Consulting

Hiroshima University Campus Planning Consulting
In 2021, Hiroshima University had implemented several university reforms, including an attempt to establish “science for sustainable development.” As part of a joint project, the UCX team worked closely with the planning firm Sasaki to develop a high-level vision concerning the future of the Higashi-Hiroshima University campus in Japan.
Almaty Management University (Kazakhstan) Campus Planning Consulting
In 2022,UCX was approached by its educational partner Cintana to assist one of their alliance universities, Almaty Management University to review their proposed campus master plan, and help them navigate the new campus visioning and design process.
Lac Hong University (Vietnam) Campus Planning Consulting
In partnership with the ASU University Design Institute, the UCXteam has helped Lac Hong University conceptualize their LHU 2.0 effort by reviewing and offer feedback on their proposed master planning efforts, and helping them engage the planning firm Sasakito produce additional ideas and designs for their new campus master plan.
Roden Crater Planning Consulting
In 2018, ASU launched an unprecedented academic partnership with visual artist James Turrell and his Roden Crater Project. The collaboration centers the monumental earthwork in Northern Arizona as a prompt for trans-disciplinary research and learning. The UCX team has helped the University conceptualize the optimal and most appropriate use of the site to achieve its goals and objectives.
‘Iole
‘Iole is a 2400-acre, place-based research center and living scientific laboratory on the Big Island ofHawaii, bringing together academic experts, students, Native Hawaiian practitioners, community members and government leaders to develop sustainability solutions rooted in ancestral knowledge and indigenous practices. The UCX team is helping the University conceptualize the optimal and most appropriate use of the site to achieve its goals and objectives.

UCX Projects

UCX Projects

Featured UCX projects

McCain Leadership Center at Papago Park Planning

ASU at Mesa City Center Planning

Mayo/ASU Health Futures Center

The Central Idea - Downtown Phoenix

Planning and Consulting

Hiroshima University Campus Planning Consulting

Almaty Management University (Kazakhstan) Campus Planning Consulting