University of New Mexico Casas Del Rio

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Client

American Campus Communities

Location

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Typology

Mid-Rise Student Housing Community

Units/Beds

285/1,030

Sustainability

LEED Silver

To further establish UNM’s growing campus, Todd & Associates collaborated with American Campus Communities to provide programming and design for Casas del Rio, a student housing project that featuring the perfect balance of socialization and privacy. Centrally located just north of Johnson Field on UNM’s campus, this 1,030-bed community consists of four 3- and 4-story buildings that offer fully furnished suite-style floor plans. As a LEED Silver project, it supports the University’s broader vision to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing environmental stewardship. Casas del Rio focuses on a lifestyle that keeps students healthy and fit while providing socialization and entertainment within its prime amenity spaces. A 6,443 SF community center houses a fitness center, lounge/game room, and a technology-focused ibar. There is a multimedia space with gaming systems along with outdoor gathering pavilions. 23 individual study rooms and 2 group study rooms provide a variety of student study spaces. Each floor is equipped with a kitchen and laundry room for all students to use.

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.