STUDENT HOUSING

Aspen Hall at Academic Village

Fort Collins, Colorado $15,800,000 • 2009
Client: Colorado State University

Aspen Hall is a 5-story, 219-bed on-campus residence hall, the second phase of the Academic Village student housing and dining complex. The 61,000 sq. ft. building includes 219 student beds in 2-bed/1-bath and 4-bed/2-bath suite configurations, group study rooms, lounges, recreation, laundry and kitchen facilities, and meeting and office space for the Resident Life staff.

The building design was conceived to complement the architectural composition and rooflines of the original Academic Village development, with gable roofs stepping down from five stories in the center to four stories on each end. Deep roof overhangs and brick, stucco and natural stone were used to enhance the "village" concept.

The entry lobby extends outward, creating an inviting pedestrian scale element within the Engineering courtyard, visible from the main east-west pedestrian path through the village. Similarly, the lounges on each floor are stacked, pulled out to the west and rotated slightly to match the north wing of the adjacent building, providing dramatic views and a strong visual connection into the courtyard.

The design fully embraces CSU's initiative to be a leader in green building practices. The building was designed using the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED Green Building Rating System and achieved a "Gold" certification. Professional services included programming and full architectural and engineering design services.

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Academic Village Commons

Fort Collins, Colorado $14,988,000 • 2007
Client: Colorado State University

The Dining Commons is part of the new Academic Village at Colorado State University, a three building, $34,500,000 student and faculty residential and dining campus that replaces outdated 1960s-era dormitories on the same site. The Dining Commons is flanked by 3- and 4-story residential buildings that house Engineering and Honors Program students, computer laboratory and design studios, as well as residential apartments for faculty and visiting professors. The intent of the program is the integration of living and learning, creating an academically-focused residential village.

The Dining Commons is a marketplace-style dining facility that replaces and consolidates four older dormitory cafeterias, sited to create a large central courtyard to enhance student and faculty interaction. The 2-story, 42,600 sq. ft. facility is designed with a variety of "made-to-order" food venues on the second level, and a sports grille, express carry-out, administration and central storage on the main level, with an overall seating capacity of 700 students.

The design of the Dining Commons reflects the University's commitment to architectural excellence and sustainability. The curved facade embraces the central courtyard, ringed by interior seating areas and expansive upper level decks. The building's forms and materials complement the design of the residential buildings, using native sandstone, brick, stucco and glass as primary building materials.

Interior spaces are organized around a central stair and fountain, using the curved facade to articulate circulation patterns and organize the food service venues. Wall and soffit forms, materials, bold colors, lighting and artwork are used to integrate and enliven the interiors. Even though the Dining Commons is not pursuing LEED certification, sustainability guided the design and operational aspects of the project.

Aller · Lingle · Massey Architects P.C. was associated with Whiting-Turner Contracting in a design/build contract. Professional services included full architectural, civil and structural engineering and food service design.

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Summit Hall Main Campus Undergraduate Student Housing

Fort Collins, Colorado $17,215,400 • 2004
Client: Colorado State University

Summit Hall is a new 535-bed on-campus undergraduate student housing development, designed as a three- and four-story dormitory-style structure with 175 two-bedroom suites, two hall director apartments and extensive common facilities.

The "S"-shaped building layout was derived from site planning concepts that orient the central lobby block along a diagonal circulation spine connecting the main campus to the northeast and resident parking to the southwest, creating private courtyards on each side. The central entry not only provides convenient access to each wing, but also enhances overall building security by controlling visitor traffic from one primary entrance.

Five distinct wings make up the "S" shape, and with the roofline stepdowns at the end of each wing, help minimize the project's density and provide an appropriate transition from the adjacent two- and three-story private apartments to the larger campus buildings. The architectural design represents a contemporary updating of the traditional Collegiate Gothic style.

Aller · Lingle · Massey Architects P.C. was associated with Pinkard Construction and won a design/build competition for the project. Professional services included full architectural and engineering services.

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