NAU The Suites Phase I

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Client

American Campus Communities

Location

Flagstaff, Arizona

Typology

Mid-Rise Student Housing Community

Units/Beds

275/550

The 550-bed Suites on the campus of NAU allowed a multi-level, linear, pedestrian-oriented design. The design unifies differing topographies, reinforcing the new campus pedway alignment. The pedway portion adjacent to the community center overlooks the Suites’ pedestrian plaza, which provides a venue for student-related uses. Set on 4 acres, the two 4-story buildings house a mix of 275 one- and two-bedroom units. The 11,245 SF community center is the focus of student life. An array of amenities include a 24-hour recreation center with billiards, a poker table, and several other gaming activities. There is also a movie theater room, 24-hour fitness center, and multimedia area with gaming systems. Students have dining options at Starbucks or The Coupe restaurant, located on the ground level. Outdoor space comprises a hammock garden, fire pits with lounge areas, and beautifully landscaped courtyards. Complimenting these amenities, each building has a 2-story space, called the Neighborhood Core, with a lounge, kitchen, laundry room, and study areas.

College & University

Selecting a college or university usually comes down to location and academic programs. However, an increasing number of students and their families are looking for the quality, type, and standard of living offered by student housing communities as one of the deciding factors. Secure and well-maintained housing facilities support the recruiting process and greatly assist universities in attracting and retaining highly qualified students. From years of planning and designing college and university facilities (both public and private), we believe that all spaces should be created with the end user in mind, especially when designing learning environments. Human-centered design focuses on people and how they will use the space, for growth and development, social interaction and living and learning. These should be spaces of inspiration, to supply students with the tools they need to succeed in today’s ever-changing world. At Todd & Associates, we are continually looking for innovative ways to improve the design of student housing communities. By exploring new ideas and processes, such as the multi-phased process of the 21st Century Project of ACUHO (Association of College and University Housing Officials), we are ensuring that these communities better reflect the ever-changing roles their residences play in the collegiate experience.