Estimated completion Summer 2015

Louisiana State University

This multi-story residential college encompasses a former parking lot on the north edge of LSU, posing challenges for re-vegetation, but also providing opportunity to link the periphery commuter parking with the central campus. By providing wide promenades and an amphitheater style plaza with plenty of shade and seating, this not only provided the connection but also gave the residents space to gather. In addition, the site has 3 small interior courtyards that serve as extensions of the adjacent rooms that are programed for individual study, classroom learning, and leisure; as well as 2 large courtyards which give ample space for outdoor dining and gathering. Within both main courtyards and along the perimeter of the building, the design features bioswales, which showcase native and adaptive plants and aid in stormwater filtration and drainage. Interior courtyards that are completely surrounded by the building were designed with pedestal paver systems and below grade sumps adding capacity to the drainage system in order to handle adverse storm events without the risk of flooding. The planting design helped to nestle the project in with the surrounding campus by blurring the line between the project and the adjacent old growth cypress forest and by using a southern garden style plant palette that is reminiscent of the old campus.