St. Edward's University New Residence and Dining Hall

Austin, Texas

Alejandro Aravena, Ricardo Torrejón, and Cotera + Reed Architects

Completion Date: May 2008

Client: St. Edward’s University

St. Edward's University New Residence and Dining Hall

Photo © Cristobal Palma

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Photos © Victor Oddo

Elemental Team (top); Alejandro Aravena (bottom)

Program: A 107,600-square-foot student center that includes dormitory rooms for 300 beds, dining halls, a coffee house, and a health center.

Design concept and solution: The design of the New Residence and Dining Hall is based on a historical model—that of a monastery. Both organize small private cells within the context of larger common areas, and both provide a transition from an outside world to an interior space. The four-story St. Edward’s building, clad in Mexican brick, has a reinforced concrete block structure. Several volumes encompass a glazed central interior, forming a canyon of sorts and providing a shared outdoor courtyard. Red glass panels add color to the otherwise monochromatic building. The courtyard connects to common areas, which in turn connect to private residences.

Gross square footage:
200,000 sq. ft.

Total construction cost:
$56 million (Canadian)

Architect:
Alejandro Aravena Architects
Los conquistadores 1700 25th floor
Providencia, Santiago Chile
T: 56 2 753 3000
F: 56 2 753 3016
www.alejandroaravena.com
www.elementalchile.cl