Opened: August 2020Architects: EYP Architects
For generations of students at the University of Houston in Texas, The Quadrangle, opened in 1950, has been a campus monument. As such, when the decision came to take the original buildings down and create a new, state-of-the-art housing facility, care was taken to incorporate the past even as the campus prepared for the future. The resulting structure, with almost 1,200 beds spread throughout almost 400,000 square feet, succeeds in featuring a host of amenities as well as a wide variety of living-learning opportunities for the residents. “Every single thought that went into constructing The Quad was focused on student success,” says Don Yackley, assistant vice president for student affairs, student resident housing, and residential life. “We were proud of the history of the Quad, and we knew there was a lot of love for the old building. While the old Quad served generations of Cougs for the past 70 years, we are confident it will do the same thing for current and future students."
Some of the ways the new construction honored the past was through incorporating pieces of limestone from the old building into the elevator lobbies and reception area as well as maintaining original oak trees that now surround the new courtyards. Overall, though, the design is ultra-contemporary, with large windows that admit natural light, open stairwells, and sleek lines. It includes a computer lab, fitness center, and 13 study lounges. Outdoors there are five well-manicured courtyards outfitted with hammocks, outdoor seating, bocce ball courts, and more.
The complex has seven three-story townhouses, each of which will hold learning communities that have been of growing interest at the University of Houston. The Impact House focuses on social issues including hunger and homelessness, health and wellness, children and education, the environment, and sustainability. The Bauer House is for students pursuing a degree in the university’s Bauer College of Business. The Minority Male Leadership LLC is an inclusive living space where minority male students can learn and grow from shared living experiences while establishing meaningful connections with fellow students and staff. The Women in STEM LLC will provide students with supportive relationships with peer mentors, faculty, and staff within the STEM field. In addition, Chinese, French, and Spanish language houses will offer social events, conversation hours, and language exchanges as well as programs that include films, lectures, and excursions.
— James A. Baumann