University of Wisconsin — Madison

Opportunity: To keep pace with the growth of their student population, The University required a plan to add 500+ freshman student beds to the existing Lakeshore Student Residence community.

Solution: An archeological survey of this “known Native American Historical Site” was part of pre-planning research. Site challenges, including existing utilities and sports recreation fields, led to a plan creating two distinct residence hall developments. The new West Community will introduce 340 additional beds in a new building that will also feature a dining facility. This building, along with existing buildings, will form a new quadrangle providing exceptional views of green space, playing fields, and nearby Lake Mendota. The East Community will add 164 new beds and create two new green spaces connected by a plaza that will provide students a balance of open space and private zones.

Value: A highly collaborative workshop-based process yielded unanticipated alternatives and a unique design solution that will improve the Lakeshore student housing community beyond the University’s original expectations.