Michigan State University
Student Housing
1855 Place

East Lansing, Michigan

Fostering Diversity and Connection in Student Housing

  • Type

    Student Housing

  • Size

    430,000 SF
    926 Student Beds

  • Parking

    1900 Stalls

  • Sustainability

    LEED Silver®

  • Status

    Completed 2017

  • Services

    Master Plan
    Architecture

  • Photographer

    John D'Angelo Photography

  • Client

    Michigan State University

The first new student housing in 52 years

When Michigan State University approached our team, it had been more than five decades since it had built new student housing on campus. A complex undertaking, we were tasked with serving the needs of diverse student populations: from undergraduates to families with children, athletes and international scholars.

A sense of identity and community

Our vision involved transforming an underutilized parking lot into an interconnected 10-building neighborhood. The complex creates a series of smaller communities, each with their own identity and character, yet brought together through activated, shared spaces. To foster student interaction, we centered the community on a large courtyard ringed with common areas – a fitness room, event spaces, residential offices, study rooms, a grocery store and coffee shop.

Bringing student life to life

We organized the units, floors and buildings to intentionally offer opportunities for students to get to know their neighbors on a variety of scales. Buildings and walkways are oriented to bring diverse walks of life together. Interconnected courtyards and open spaces encourage connection and chances for students to gather, study and play.

Program: Student and family housing in apartment-style units. Studios, one- and two-bedroom units for families, four-bedroom units in flats and townhouse units. Residential and event parking for 1,900 cars.