The Interior Design Issue
Texas Contemporary™ Monthly: Issue 34
Approaching Student Housing Design
When crafting student housing living spaces, a comprehensive understanding of key elements is critical to creating environments that resonate deeply with residents. Knowing the marketing landscape involves delving into the local weather, historical context, and prevalent activities. Awareness of the climate helps tailor recreational opportunities and amenities to suit the seasonal preferences of students. Familiarity with historical narratives and local traditions can imbue living spaces with a sense of belonging and cultural resonance.
Understanding the university itself is essential. Recognizing the mascot, colors, and rivalries fosters a sense of unity and pride among residents. Aligning housing themes with the academic focus and athletic achievements of the institution strengthens its identity and reinforces community spirit.
Moreover, knowledge of the generation occupying these spaces is crucial. Knowing the preferences, values, and lifestyle trends of contemporary students allows for the integration of modern amenities and design elements that cater to their needs and aspirations. Whether it's sustainability initiatives, technology integration, or wellness amenities, tailoring living spaces to reflect current trends enhances their appeal and relevance.
In essence, approaching student housing living spaces with a holistic perspective that encompasses marketing insights, university culture, generational understanding, and contemporary trends lays the foundation for creating vibrant, inclusive, and student-centric environments that inspire personal growth, foster community engagement, and facilitate academic success.
Rev Student Housing | College Station, TX
Reaching 200 feet, REV is the tallest building in the area and the tallest tower between Austin and Houston, serving as an important emblem for Bryan–College Station’s forward-looking urban growth.
Its engaging and inspiring interior design complements its transformative skyline presence providing an elevated modern student housing concept to College Station, both filling a need and setting a new bar for off-campus living. The style is cohesive throughout the resident experience, showcasing a modern style with a western flare and aesthetic, embodying the culture and grit of the State of Texas and the Texas A&M student body blended with a “Spaghetti Western” spirit that informed the choices of color, form, and art.
- Erin Dorey, LEED GA | Project Interior Designer -
Student Wellness and Design
Creating wellness-oriented student environments involves integrating key elements that foster physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Fitness facilities within educational institutions encourage students to engage in physical activity, promoting overall health and reducing stress levels.
Meditation areas offer students a serene space to unwind, practice mindfulness, and manage academic pressures effectively.
Biophilic design principles incorporate natural elements into indoor environments, such as plants and natural light, which can enhance concentration, creativity, and mood. Providing private spaces allows students to recharge, reflect, and seek solitude when needed, supporting their mental health and academic performance.
Safe environments encompass both physical and psychological safety, ensuring students feel secure and supported in their learning environments. Lighting systems that align with circadian rhythms contribute to healthy sleep patterns and cognitive function, enhancing students' ability to focus and learn effectively throughout the day.
By integrating these elements into student environments, educational institutions promote holistic wellness, empowering students to thrive academically, emotionally, and physically. Embracing wellness principles not only enhances the student experience but cultivates a culture of well-being that extends beyond the academic realm into students' personal growth and professional lives.
The LEVY DYKEMA Way, features insights from clients and team members.
This month, we hear from Jeff Tate, Vice President of Balfour Beatty Campus Solutions
At LEVY DYKEMA, our team recognizes the significance of community engagement and giving back. Recently, a few of our Austin studio members took time away from the office to volunteer with Meals on Wheels, staying true to our commitment to making a positive impact beyond the office. Great work, team! Your dedication fosters a sense of social responsibility reflecting the values that define LEVY DYKEMA.
Recently, our Corpus Christi studio invested time outside the office to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, working hand-in-hand to support the Corpus Christi community. Giving back is ingrained in the values we uphold at LEVY DYKEMA, and through initiatives like these, we aim to build not only homes but also a stronger, more interconnected community.
A Message from Our Interior Design Principal
Student Housing Design: Two Decades in Retrospect
Completing the corporate interiors project for American Campus Communities led to an unexpected opportunity: designing student housing. It marked a significant turning point in my interior design career, opening doors to new possibilities and adventures.
It all began in 2003 with San Jacinto Hall, coinciding with the renaming of Southwest Texas State University to Texas State University. The project emphasized functionality, with limited accent paint colors for maintenance efficiency, yet provided a comfortable space for students. Several years later, Vista del Sol in Tempe, Arizona, emerged as a pivotal project in my student housing design journey. It was a fantastic experience, characterized by modern aesthetics, custom artwork, a resort-style pool, cutting-edge fitness facilities, and even a movie theater.
Today, the landscape of student housing has evolved dramatically. Gone are the days of simple dormitories; instead, we see high-rises boasting hospitality-driven interiors, competing with upscale residential projects for design accolades. It's a testament to the transformation of student housing, once viewed as mere barracks, into vibrant, contemporary living spaces that redefine the student experience.
Jill Pierce