As higher education is transformed by online learning, forward-thinking institutions are seeking ways to make themselves more attractive to top students and faculty. The quality of the campus as a learning environment has become an ever more important differentiator in the minds of students and faculty. This session will examine the qualities of successful student-centered spaces, as well as explore design challenges and opportunities using case studies of three different projects at the University of Texas at Austin: the Rox, Duke, and Danay Covert Admissions Welcome Center; the William C. Powers, Jr Student Activity Center South Courtyard, and the Holland Family Student Center at the Jackson School of Geosciences.

Learning Objectives:

•  What makes a successful student-centered space?
• Ways of integrating alternative learning places into an established campus.
• Solving technical challenges in the integration process.
• Finding sustainable opportunities in the creation of student-centered spaces.

Students need a place of refuge from the rigors of their academic schedules and a place to socialize without pressure. Reimagining a community commons space can provide more opportunities for socialization and activities. A diverse range of spaces for multiple uses can be created – from individual study to small group or large team activities – and integrated technology for continuous connectivity throughout the building.

Join us to see examples of ways to rethink your community commons by creating a unified and centralized social space for students.

• Creating an Environment of choice
• Maintaining Flexibility Space
• Designing for Sensory Inclusion
• Integration of Technology