Add as a preferred source on Google

Aurora University Completes Residence Hall for Neurodiverse Students

  • By Matt Jones
  • 06/08/23

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 Kentucky Receives $150M Gift Toward New Arts District

    The University of Kentucky’s Board of Trustees recently received a $150-million gift from The Bill Gatton Foundation, according to a university news release, to build a new arts district on the campus in Lexington, Ky. The new district will feature a new College of Fine Arts building and a multi-hundred-seat theater, among other amenities.

  • LSU Breaks Ground on $200M Residential Project

    Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La., recently broke ground on a new residential complex, according to university news. The South Quad residential project will consist of two buildings and add a total of 1,266 beds for freshmen students. The development comes with a price tag of $200 million, and it’s scheduled to open to students in fall 2027.

  • Armstrong World Industries Acquires Geometrik

    Armstrong World Industries, designer and manufacturer of interior and exterior architectural applications like ceilings, walls, and metal solutions, recently announced its acquisition of Canada-based Geometrik, according to a news release. The British Columbian Geometrik specializes in designing and manufacturing wood acoustical and wall systems.

  • DLR Group Appoints New K–12 Education Practice Leader

    Integrated design firm DLR Group recently announced that it has named its new global K–12 Education leader, Senior Principal Carmen Wyckoff, AIA, LEED AP, according to a news release. Her teams have members in all 36 of the firm’s offices in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Europe, and Asia.

Digital Edition