Bringing sustainable, equitable, and inclusive housing to WMU
Arcadia Flats, the newest housing development in Western Michigan University’s (WMU) South Neighborhood, was started and completed during a simultaneous master planning effort to reimagine that area of campus. The facility was designed to embody a new approach to residence life that focuses on sustainable design and lifestyle, equitable and inclusive housing for a diverse student body, and a whole-building life-cycle approach to systems thinking.
This 300+ unit residence hall stemmed from the concept of a terrarium whereby residential life thrived within the broader campus ecosystem. The unique lifestyle of the student could be fit to one of five different unit types while sharing the amenities and social spaces with the rest of the community. This approach was coupled with wellness and biophilia, utilizing wood and other natural materials extensively, and drawing emphasis to the stairs in lieu of elevators. All of this was accomplished while assuring every unit, corridor, common space, and public area contained views and natural daylight through operable windows or window wall systems.
This concept of student life sets a benchmark at the university for residential buildings, especially in WMU’s South Neighborhood, and the role such buildings play in the overall student experience on campus.
At a Glance
- Offices
Tamara Roy, Principal, Architecture
I pursue artful solutions in every design project—turning constraints into opportunities for creative invention.
Travis Sage, Principal, Architect
I believe that social and environmental responsibility is created through inspired placemaking and the moments we share within.
Joe Lapinski, Senior Associate
None of my inventions ever came about by accident, they came about by work – Thomas Edison
Elizabeth King, Senior Associate, Architecture
I tell my kids listening is the key to solving problems. The design process is the same—paying attention is how we create design solutions.
David Milligan, Senior Associate, Senior Project Architect
I approach each project as a logic problem and strive to create a design solution that is aesthetically pleasing, sustainable and resilient.
Dan O’Connor , Electrical Team Leader
As electrical engineers, we design systems that illuminate buildings and structures and forge a path to a greener, more sustainable world.
Kristin Simoneaux, Associate, Senior Mechanical Engineer
My goal is to design systems that benefit the client, the user, and the environment through innovative design.
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