For decades, dormitories in universities and colleges were constructed with little to no regard for function and aesthetics.
Nevertheless, things have changed recently, as resident halls are now designed to fit the modern architectural design standard.
Modern designs feature many amenities that make the spaces more comfortable and visually appealing. They’re built in such a way that learners can enjoy privacy and communal relations at the same time.
Students these days want accommodations that offer more than basic amenities and are comfortable to live in.
As an architect, consider speaking with students about their needs and desires for the space before starting the construction work.
1. Getting Students Involved in the Design Process
“We often encourage students and their leaders to be more involved in the layout process. This helps to determine what they’d like to have or not have in the places they visit most. Planners who listen to their ideas and show that they value students’ contributions will ultimately have a better result,” says Paul, Architectural Instructor at PapersOwl. He adds: “Students can ask: write my assignment for me while I’m taking part in the architectural process. Getting them involved is essential to the success of the process. After all, they will be the ones occupying the spaces in the long run. Therefore, students’ input must be welcomed in order to create accommodations that truly address their needs.”
2. Making Student Housing the Heart of Campus Culture
Dormitories and learners’ apartments are now being created to reflect the social and academic culture of the campus community.
When students choose their dream college or higher education institution, accommodation is usually a major factor in that decision.
For example, the University of Texas, one of the best architecture universities in the world uses its beautiful accommodations to attract prospective students.
These are places where visitors can experience the lifestyle and daily activities of the school outside the classroom.
Most dormitories include bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, furniture, and some basic amenities. Nevertheless, the finest residence halls usually include the following:
- Outdoor seating area
- Fully-fitted common rooms where students can eat, rest, study, and socialize
- Athletic centers and recreation rooms
- Project collaboration zones
- Lounge, café, and courts
- Communal gardens
- Acoustic setup
- Creative layout elements and mood lighting
- And more
Dormitories with these comfortable and stylish facilities improve the existing learners’ living conditions and get them excited to be a part of the neighborhood.
3. What Are the Most Important Housing Features for Students?
The most essential standard for residence halls is to create a place that feels like home, even if the students are thousands of miles away from home.
Student residences should always be as private, comfortable, and civic as possible.
This is because learners need a strong support group of friends to help them transition from the household environment to their new world.
While dormitories and student apartments are not expected to be like normal city buildings, they should still have amenities and facilities for private and communal use.
Universities students can be supported by creating communal areas for studying and hanging out with friends.
To ensure that no learners are left out, buildings should have different outfitted and amenity spaces where learners can choose the area where they feel most comfortable.
Finally, learners’ accommodations should have amenities that aid learning and ensure the safety of everyone.
4. How Architects Design Better Students’ Housing
What learners want from their accommodations is constantly changing. They prefer apartments that make things easier for them, including schooling and socializing.
So, every aspect of an apartment should serve the unique needs of the undergraduates.
Here are some essential features that should be incorporated into the apartments:
- Interior Common Room: These are public spaces where students can eat, relax, socialize, and carry out other activities. They include the kitchen, recreation rooms, dining halls, reading rooms, lounge, laundry room, etc.
- Package Rooms: In today’s world, where everyone buys things online, it’s only right that package rooms are included in the building plans. Here, students can pick up or receive packages at any time.
- Exterior Recreation Spaces: Creating spaces for learners to rest, learn, exercise, and socialize is essential to their apartment layout. Courtyards, pools, grilling spots, small gyms, yoga studios, or rooftop spaces could be incorporated into the construction plan.
Others could also be incorporated into the apartments, like managed Wi-Fi, gardens, landscaping, artwork, lighting, acoustics, a music center, etc.
Finally, developers should be aware that students needs change as they near graduation. Hence, amenities should be provided according to the needs of the various grade levels.
COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed a lot of industries and how they do things, including the students’ housing industry.
Now more than ever, students are looking for apartments that meet their needs and provide their wants.
There are different types of residence hall designs, but dormitories and off-campus buildings are the most common.
Your students’ accommodation plan should enhance safety, enable communal relations, and promote willingness to learn.
The most important features of students’ accommodations include package rooms, interior and common exterior spaces, proximity to transit, managed WiFi, sustainable buildings, and so on.
It is recommended that designers consider working with the leadership students’ accommodations to determine what works and fits the needs of its members.
