Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: New Residence Hall Building

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 

TOP PHOTOS © CHARLES LERETTE PHOTOGRAPHY, BOTTOM PHOTOS © ROOT PHOTOGRAPHY

Recognized as a leader within the aeronautical world, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL, is focused on maintaining its position in the forefront. This is clearly expressed in the development of their campus master plan and the construction of their latest buildings. The most recent example is the New Residence Hall Building, designed by PQH Group of Jacksonville.

The design concept was to create a gateway to the campus core by celebrating the beginning of the new Legacy Walk extension that is a main component of the campus pedestrian fabric. The campus is crisscrossed by a major vehicular artery and a campus perimeter road creating physical barriers that affect campus dynamics and pedestrian flows. As part of an effort to mend this disconnect, the building creates a gateway entrance that collects the pedestrian flow from older dormitories by way of the existing pedestrian bridge. The building wings define a series of exterior amenities and courtyards organized around the new Legacy Walk.

The design challenge was to maximize the architectural opportunities focused on articulating repetitive elements, celebrating the public areas of the program and promoting student congregation and well-being.

The use of stucco, glass and metal responds to a high-tech imagery that has become the theme within the newer campus buildings. The design incorporates the use of these materials and natural lighting to add depth and rhythm to the eight building sections that house 366 residential student units. The common areas are created by bending the building to create articulations that break the length of the hallway and open up exterior views through curtain wall assemblies.

The design intent was to articulate the building configuration and architectural expression to define a building that is a literal and figurative gateway to the campus, reflecting the university’s institutional aspirations and technical focus.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • URI Cuts Underwater Ribbon on New Ocean Robotics Laboratory

    The University of Rhode Island recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Ocean Robotics Laboratory at its Narragansett Bay Campus, according to a news release. Two students used a remotely operated vehicle to cut an underwater ribbon in a 30-by-20-foot test tank.

  • Missouri Child Development Center Completes $2.3M Expansion

    The Urban Sprouts Child Development Center in St. Louis, Mo., recently announced the completion of a $2.3-million expansion and adaptive reuse project, according to a news release. The new space includes a retail café, outdoor learning space, and a support office building.

  • Houston-Area High School Receives Best Project Award from ENR

    Tomball West High School near Houston, Texas, recently received a K–12 Education Best Project Award in Engineering News-Record’s 2026 Texas & Southeast Best Projects Awards, according to a press release. The new facility was completed in May and opened its doors to students for the fall 2026 semester.

  • St. Lucie County, Fla., Breaks Ground on New K–8 School

    St. Lucie Public Schools in St. Lucie County, Fla., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new K–8 school, according to a news release. The district partnered with Spiezle Architectural Group, Inc., for the design of the upcoming Ft. Pierce K–8 School, which comprises six buildings covering 215,000 square feet.