Oregon State University-Cascades hired Ambient Architecture, LLC, to complete initial visualizations and design for a potential relocation and expansion in Bend. The designs include a pedestrian- and alternative-transportation-friendly campus with an emphasis on sustainable building technologies and connectivity to the community and natural resources.

The OSU-Cascades Campus Vision foresees a sustainable campus that grows and evolves organically over time. Based on benchmark metrics for higher education and reflecting forecasts for Central Oregon and the university, the campus will expand its facilities as the student population grows; new classrooms are required; parking needs increase (or possibly decline over time due to decreased reliance on the private automobile); and student housing is considered. The current vision focuses on the year 2030 and projected student population of 3,000.

The visioning team also included Steven Ames, planner with NXT Consulting Group, and Garrett Kroll, University of Oregon architecture student.