Aurora University Completes Residence Hall for Neurodiverse Students

Aurora University in Aurora, Ill., recently completed construction on a new campus residence hall geared toward students on the autism spectrum, according to a news release. The five-story Don and Betty Tucker Hall includes space for 70 resident rooms and will also play home to the university’s Pathways program, which serves young adults on the spectrum. The university partnered with Cordogan, Clark & Associates for the building’s design and The Boldt Company for its construction.

The news release reports that the 35,109-square-foot residence hall is one of the first of its kind in the U.S. to be built from the ground up. According to retired university president Dr. Rebecca L. Sherrick, about 40 percent of young people on the autism spectrum are capable of attending college. “We also know that they have huge contributions to make in the workplace and society,” she said. “Those students need a safe and secure home environment on campus to fulfill their potential.”

Design elements specific to sensory-sensitive students include calm and muted color palettes; seamless drywall to minimize lines and distractions; adjustable light systems in all spaces; acoustic materials within walls to reduce sound; vinyl flooring to muffle footsteps; common areas with adjustable seating and quiet study areas; and a fitness center and study rooms on each floor.

The ground floor will also play home to the Betty Parke Tucker Center for Neurodiversity.

“I can see where this is a huge deal,” said Boldt Project Manager Ali Burke. “It’s really important for everybody to have an opportunity like this to learn and to have an environment for them to excel in.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • University of Connecticut Upgrades Basketball Facility’s AV Systems

    The University of Connecticut recently partnered with Metinteractive to upgrade the AV systems of the Gampel Pavilion basketball facility on its campus in Mansfield, Conn., according to a news release.

  • Nonprofit Launches Center to Boost Data-Driven Student Success Strategies

    National nonprofit Complete College America (CCA) recently launched the Center for Leadership, Institutional Metrics, and Best Practices (CLIMB), according to a news release. CLIMB’s ultimate purpose is to help higher-education institutions use data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes by providing tools, frameworks, and support.

  • Kimball International Debuts Health & Education Experience Center

    Kimball International recently opened a new facility at its corporate headquarters in Jasper, Ind., that will act as a hands-on showroom for a variety of its furniture products and solutions, according to a news release. The 13,000-square-foot Health & Education Experience Center was originally designed by Gensler as the headquarters for Kimball International’s National brand.

  • Pangram Secures Funding for AI Detection Technology

    Pangram, which provides technology that detects AI-generated text, recently announced that it has secured nearly $4 million in pre-seed and seed funding, according to a news release. The most recent round of investments, totaling $2.7 million, come on top of the pre-existing seed fund of $1.25 million.

Digital Edition