Integrating specific academic environments into five Ball State University Residence Halls was a key early design consideration for the combined $144+ million projects. There was an opportunity to create an interplay between pre-millennial student lifestyle, academic, and career interests while also optimizing for energy efficiency. By adding the latest technologies, new amenities, and flexible design elements into the residence halls, a new sense of camaraderie and function can be seen throughout.

Here’s a synopsis for each:

Botsford/Swinford Residence Hall – Emerging Media Center

Size: 164,000 square feet
Cost: $27,800,000

• Audio and video production studios
• New lounge spaces
• Demonstration kitchen—enables guest chefs to demonstrate food skills including healthy eating and unique cooking styles
• Original structure was demolished to its concrete frame and foundation
• It was designed for LEED Silver certification and received LEED Gold certification.

 

Schmidt/Wilson Residence Hall – A Living-Learning Community for Dance, Theatre, and Design Students

Size: 154,000 square feet
Cost: $33,000,000

• Two-story lounge spaces and central lounge with a performance area
• Dance studio, black box theatre, computer lab, fitness room, and drawing room
• Strong sense of collaboration and camaraderie
• The new facility re-images the entry into campus where students are center stage
• This project received LEED Gold.

 

Studebaker East Residence Hall – Creating A Home-Away-From-Home For International Students

Size: 109,750 square feet
Cost: $18,450,000

• Student collaboration is enhanced through a new multi-purpose room and three two-story lounge spaces
• Lounges are equipped with kitchens so students can share cultural foods
• Provided a sense of community for present and future students
• New highly efficient mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and technology systems throughout the building resulted in LEED Gold Certification.

 

DeHority Residence Complex – Collaborative Spaces for Honors College Students

Size: 131,070 square feet
Cost: $21,920,000

• Integrating social, learning, and living space so dedicated honor students can combine interests and ambitions
• Semi-private restrooms with lockers. Each room has stackable furniture and adjustable wardrobe closets
• Students can take advantage of the exhibition hall for meetings and presentations
• Ball State’s first LEED Silver certified building on campus.

 

New Residence Hall 1 – Construction is underway for the third living/learning community developed from the North Campus Master Plan.

Size: 137,700 square feet
Cost: $43,600,000

• Built for S.T.M. students and equipped with a makerspace, fabrication lab with 3D printing capabilities, and a virtual reality pod.
• New campus neighborhood
• Living/Learning Community
• Site amenities include a fire pit and hammocks
• LEED Certification anticipated

 

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