Vernon E. Jordan Jr. Residence Hall is the first of a five phase transformation of the first-year student neighborhood, South Quad. The University challenged the team to create a distinctive and enduring residential experience on par with DePauw’s top academic reputation. Designed by Mackey Mitchell in association with Indianapolis-based arcDESIGN, the new hall raises the bar for student housing on campus. Home to 152 students, the 50,000 square foot pod-style residence hall reflects the project’s key drivers of fostering social connectivity and providing a high level of privacy and security while also promoting sustainability.
Shape
Robust engagement during master planning and programming utilized focus groups, formal and informal interviews as well as a campus comment board to reach a wide spectrum of campus stakeholders. As the design progressed, students and res life staff were able to share design commentary by virtually walking around the building. This virtual reality experience broadened the scope of input and helped the design team tailor the building to the users. The design process also required defining DePauw’s approach to sustainability thru an intensive eco workshop which lead to a voluntary adoption of the ASHRAE 189.1 Standard for High-Performance Green Buildings.
Inspire
This first phase sets the tone for the campus’s continued commitment to student life and sustainability. The new hall utilizes an energy efficient chilled beam system that delivers 100% fresh air to living spaces creating an incredibly healthy indoor environment for residents. An energy dashboard in the lobby, roof top solar thermal panels, and dynamic glazing that modulates its tint throughout the day provide further tangible sustainability to residents. Architecturally, the design weaves this new building into the existing campus context while introducing contemporary materials and technologies that will define the future phases of the South Quad transformation.
Prospective students who are attracted to DePauw for its fine academic programs will seal the deal when they visit and see how a community-oriented residence hall can enhance their experience.
- Bob Leonard Vice President for Finance and Administration, DePauw University
