First Year Housing

Jacksonville University is coming into its aesthetic stride with the latest development from its master plan: student housing that capitalizes on the campus's spectacular landscape, graced with specimen live oaks and an edge along the St Johns River. To date, residential facilities have been somewhat isolated and disconnected rather than realizing their potential as community-building agents of student engagement. The new JU First Year Housing is seamlessly integrated with the landscape, layering a series of exterior common spaces that extend into shared interior spaces, and on to private exterior areas. 

The residence hall is positioned between two of the newest student residences on a primary campus pedestrian path. The site engages the path and links all three residences visually. Although articulated simply, the facility boasts rich variety. The entry/reception area, communicating stair, living room, media center, laundry/study, and community kitchen are the base for recreation, study, and collaboration, with meeting spaces on levels two and three. Ground level and rooftop terraces leverage the warm climate, indigenous vegetation, and breezes off the river.

Conceived as a place of student energy, connection, and accomplishment, the residence hall is also a model of sustainable design, with daylighting, interior and exterior shading, and high-efficiency energy measures.