Shelter
The J.J. Oakley Innovation Center and Residence Hall at Tennessee Tech University is designed to be a dynamic living-learning environment, supporting both residential students and the broader campus community. Spanning 13,700 GSF, the hall will provide 400 beds in a mix of semi-suites and traditional pod-style doubles, fostering social connections among first-year students.
Key amenities include lounges, study areas, a community kitchen, a music room, and a multi-purpose room, enhancing student engagement and collaboration. The Innovation Center will feature state-of-the-art fabrication labs, including 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing and embroidery machines, CNC routers, and more, to support hands-on learning. The project meets Tennessee’s High Performance Building Requirements (HPBr), targeting 47 sustainability points to ensure a high-quality, efficient living environment.
Shape
Student input is important to TTU’s Project Committee and plays an important part in this project. Through an online presentation and Q&A session, students shared their perspectives on community building, learning opportunities, innovation, safety, and interior design, helping inform key design decisions.
Designed primarily for first-year students, the hall balances social connectivity and private retreats. Pod-style shared baths encourage interaction, while compartmentalized showers, water closets, and private 3-fixture baths ensure privacy. Small study spaces, a quiet room, and a music room allow students to recharge and focus.
The Innovation Center is a hub for collaboration, fostering interdisciplinary work through technology-rich study spaces and hands-on fabrication rooms. The thoughtful blend of community amenities and personal spaces creates an environment that supports both academic and personal growth.
Inspire
Currently in design, the J.J. Oakley Innovation Center and Residence Hall represents a bold step toward enhancing student engagement, innovation, and well-being at Tennessee Tech. The space is crafted to foster connection, spark creativity, and support student success, offering a modern, inclusive environment where students can thrive academically and socially.
With its high-tech makerspace, dynamic common areas, and carefully designed residential spaces, this project aims to strengthen student retention, support first-year transitions, and create lasting campus impact. Once completed and occupied, ongoing student feedback will help refine the experience, ensuring it continues to evolve with the needs of the campus community.
