Project Description
In addition to housing more than 650 students, Lander Hall exemplifies the “Learning to Live” mission of the academic institution. The new hall contains the main dining facility and student Resource Desk for the University of Washington’s burgeoning 5,000 student resident West Campus neighborhood, and will become the “heart” of the community. The residence hall’s five floors of suites float above a transparent base, allowing views into these community wide amenities from the vibrant in-city neighborhood.
The design fosters connections between students while creating layers of public and private spaces that promote community at distinct levels. The centerpiece of the dining hall is a chef’s table where students participate in cooking demonstrations and learn about nutrition—part of the university’s desire to enhance living and learning experiences. The students’ rooms wrap an extensively landscaped interior courtyard that serves as a private outdoor space for residents that, along with a variety of unique lounge spaces on each floor, fosters the sense of a community on campus.