5 Trends That Impact Residence Hall Design Posted: Jun 2018 Posted by: Mats Inc.

To attract new undergrads, schools tend to promote their on-campus living accommodations more than other aspects of the college or university because that’s often what interests teens most. However, what teens are looking for in residence halls is evolving.
Today’s college students value facilities that are stimulating, inviting, progressive, and sustainable. Mats Inc. has taken a look at some of the latest trends.

1. The Balance Between Privacy and Community

If you asked any college student 10 years ago what they wanted most out of their on-campus housing, they’d probably say privacy, but that priority is starting to change. They still want privacy, especially in bedroom and bathroom areas, but they also want places to socialize with their friends and peers. As a result of these changes, many present-day dormitories have suite layouts with private bedrooms, multiple bathrooms and shared living areas.
While some students study in their rooms, others look for comfortable places outside their rooms to study, take breaks and socialize. Modern accommodations should offer living areas that include lounges, seminar rooms, game rooms, and plush nooks for comfortable places to hang out outside of their rooms.
Some of the latest residential buildings, like Loyola’s Newman Hall and University of Southern California’s USC Village are beginning to look like off-campus, mixed-use complexes with 2-8 bedroom apartment-style suites and even single units. Designed to foster community, lower floors can include lounges, package delivery centers, shared print centers, restaurants and stores.

2. Gender-Inclusive Living Spaces

Integrating gender-inclusive living is an important trend and an essential part of enhancing dorm communities. There is generally no difference in terms design, but gender neutral restrooms must be considered to provide private facilities without the risk of intimidation, violence or harassment.

3. The Shift to On-Line Learning

A high-tech classroom used to mean it had a projector and a whiteboard instead of a chalkboard. Thanks to the internet, students often don’t even have to attend class in the same physical space as their classmates or professor in order to reap the same benefits of attending class in person. That leaves many schools trying to figure out the best way to lay out their classrooms.
Some colleges have responded with innovative housing that includes learning spaces right in the residence halls. They are like a library without books featuring an open layout combined with seminar rooms where students can meet and collaborate on projects. These spaces have been replacing computer labs, since students carry their computers around with them. Students can study anywhere as long as they can bring their laptop and have access to the internet. Wi-Fi capabilities are an absolute must on today’s college campuses.

4. Sustainability

Colleges and universities are advantageously positioned to recognize and confront environmental challenges. Higher education institutions can help shape students to lead communities to a sustainable future by conducting research and offering courses, of course, but perhaps more importantly, when they are leading by example. Dorms use substantial amounts of energy and potable water, which not only has an environmental impact, but also impacts students’ wellbeing and quality of life.
Buildings with natural lighting and solar energy, filtration systems that manage rainwater runoff and low-flow water fixtures, contribute to safe and healthy indoor environments for occupants. These measures also reduce the building’s impact on the environment. At some schools, like MIT’s Vassar Street residence and the new residence hall at Dickinson, teams are aiming for higher levels of sustainability – Gold and Platinum LEED certifications.

5. Campus Safety

It’s a sad state of affairs when schools are no longer safe, but that is the world we live in.
One the most effective ways to make staff and students feel safe is also one of the simplest: lighting. Well-lit passages and stairways don’t just make it easier for students to get to the exit in the event of an incident, they also make incidents less likely to occur. When predators can’t hide in the shadows, they’re less likely to make trouble.
Having fewer entrances also helps keep track of who is coming and going. It’s harder for someone to sneak in a side door or back entrance if there are only one or two entrance doors with a security desk that registers everyone who enters and leaves the building. But that’s not to say additional doors should not be made available in the event of a fire. Schools should consider student housing architecture with emergency exits that can only be opened with new and modern alarm systems.

Community, safety, sustainability, and technology are likely relevant priorities for campus housing in the future, but how will they change? Next generation design is considering not only what is important to students right now, but also anticipating what will be important to the school population in the future. Whether this means LEED certified buildings, merging living and classroom spaces, or something not yet considered. Architects and designers will need to look to the future when consulting with their clients.

Mats Inc. offers modern flooring solutions for dorm rooms, lounge areas, corridors, classrooms and more.  Please visit Education Markets to explore flooring for education.

Categories: Architect & Designer News