A New Step Forward For Residential Housing
New residence hall opens, marks a return to an old housing model
Marking a return to a
house-based residential system, Duke's first new residence hall built since
2005 is planned to delight the 148 students who will move in this week.
"It's a stunning
living space for our students," said Steve Nowicki, dean and vice provost
for undergraduate education. "We are pleased to have been able to do this
despite the economic downturn."
The fourth wing of
Keohane Quad on West Campus contains spacious, lofty living rooms, adjoining
kitchens and huge windows. Natural light
illuminates the hallways and a combination of natural wood and exposed pipes
add elements of hi-tech architecture throughout. About 40 percent of the bedrooms are singles,
many of which belong to suites and share a common space. There are study rooms
with walls to write on and a major new commons area with atrium event space and
an outdoor plaza that connects the hall to Edens residences and the renovated
McClendon Tower.
In its first semester
of operation, the wing will house primarily juniors who studied away from
campus in the fall. Starting in the fall, however, it will serve as home to two
Duke houses in the new residential system.
All sophomores, juniors
and seniors living on campus will be members of a house to which they can
return in subsequent years. They will be able to establish a long-term home
with friends spanning class years. The typical Duke house will range in size
from 30 to 90 students.
"Our return to a
house-based residential system, something that characterized student life at
Duke from the late 70s to early 90s, is intended to encourage a sense of community
outside the classroom," Nowicki said. "Through extensive discussions
beginning several years ago, students made it clear that they wanted more
continuity and connection across class years in their residential experience. We
designed this wing specifically to support this model with features such as
suites to attract seniors."
Each house has a
separate entrance and was designed to have the living room be the first area
students encounter," added Joe Gonzalez, associate dean of residence
life. "It may seem like a little
thing, but we know a stronger sense of community develops when houses have a
space to ‘see and be seen' right at the front entrance."
"Students are
much more likely to stop and engage with their friends in open spaces such as
these before heading to their rooms."
Larry Moneta, vice
president for student affairs, said he is pleased with the combined effect of
recent structural improvements to the Keohane quad, which include the addition
of the new wing and atrium, a renovated McClendon Tower and a new outdoor plaza
with an adjoining Edens concourse stairwell.
"This wing is
part of our larger plan to continually improve the residential experience,"
Moneta said. "We believe this area will become a new and vital hub for
student activity right in the heart of our residential communities. With late
night dining, outstanding and varied gathering and programmatic spaces and
inviting indoor and outdoor communal spaces, we're excited to offer students
this new additional hub for student life.
"Over the past few years we also have
made major investments in Central Campus, with the new restaurant, general
store and apartment renovations," Moneta said. "Now we're planning for the complete
renovation of West Union, which will become an exciting new commons for the
entire university community."
