To meet the needs of a diverse population and keep Texas Tech “above the curve,” the University recently celebrated the opening of West Village, a design-build project with Whiting-Turner and BGK Architects. This new $54.8 million community for 455 upper-division and graduate students provides 230,000SF of space for study, gatherings, and dining within a setting of landscaped courtyards and public art. West Village is the first phase of a planned mixed-use village designed to compete directly with the private housing marketplace and enhance retention and graduation rates.
Shape
Using a fast track, design-build delivery method, the team worked within an incredibly compressed schedule - 16 months for design and construction. The program is shaped around a pedestrian-scaled courtyard connected to an existing allee of elm trees. An inspiring entry pavilion with a covered portico has become an animated gathering space. Courtyards and shared lounge spaces are linked by dramatic archways creating a backdrop for the campus's latest public art program. "Texas Rising" features stainless steel, internally-lit, star-shaped sculptures emerging from the ground. Created by Joe O'Connell and Blessing Hancock, the colorfully lit sculptures cast intricate shadows portraying campus traditions through detailed patterned cutouts.
Inspire
Opening to rave reviews, the project extends the institution’s reverence of Spanish Renaissance-style architecture. Michael Molina, vice chancellor for Facilities Planning and Construction noted, “The true success of the design and construction lies within the team we developed and the use of creative building technologies and work sequencing. This group was able to accomplish a challenging task of synthesizing Texas Tech’s needs with an innovative solution within a compressed time frame."
Passion + Perspective
Early site concept study
Early conceptual sketch of Building A where the team is working out bed counts
Design charette
Early charette "wall sketch" with the design team
The style of Texas Tech is very distinctive. Here is a Building A entry study to get the proportions just right.
This beautiful facility represents the growth of our great university and the increased demand students have for a Texas Tech education.
