New Residence Halls Focus on Community and Sustainability

More than 1,000 students will be welcomed to two vibrant new residence halls in August 2011. The halls will focus on community building, collaborative learning and sustainable living. Artful design elements and smart sustainability are featured throughout Árbol de la Vida and Likins Hall.

Smart sustainability for 21st century living

Both halls seek top LEED certification for sustainability and will educate students through daily hands-on experiences in sustainable living. Student rooms feature “Smart” thermostats that recognize when the room is unoccupied and reduce energy consumption while multiple “green” outlets in each room shut off power when the room is unoccupied. Large windows open for ventilation and feature dual window shades that allow for filtered light or complete darkness. Roof-mounted solar panels will provide approximately 75% of the hot water at both halls. Community bathrooms feature low-flow showerheads, faucets and dual-flush toilets. Computer-designed awnings on the south sides of the buildings allow for optimal sunlight in winter and block it in summer. Passive water harvesting, storm water mitigation and drought-tolerant plants are used for landscaping. Finally, close to 80% of the building materials are recycled materials.

Árbol de la Vida, A Global Honors Community

Home to 719 honors students, Árbol de la Vida (Tree of Life) is comprised of five interconnected halls that ascend four to six stories. The bold, urban architecture anchors the southwest corner of campus. Walkways and bridges connect the halls at different levels while on the inside, wide meandering corridors feature student rooms, study rooms and culminate at comfortable gathering places. A spectacular two-story study bridge features etched glass panels while numerous large windows provide natural light throughout the buildings.  At the main entrance etched glass panels depict several  beautiful flowing trees comprised of poetry. On the southwest corner, a two-story perforated copper screen radiates with an image of a slot canyon.

Community living and collaborative learning spaces include several Great Rooms, lounges, exercise rooms, recreation rooms, community kitchen, study rooms, classrooms and courtyards. Each pair of student rooms is set back slightly to create a “porch-like” effect and the feeling of having a close neighbor. “Our residents will enjoy a comfortable yet clearly 21st century environment,” says Christopher Anderson, the Community Director for Arbol de la Vida when it opens.

Collaborative learning tools stimulate learning and teamwork. Building Dashboard, a custom-designed interactive website and kiosk, displays the hall’s use of energy and water. The visually engaging system encourages students to monitor their utility usage and develop life-long habits regarding sustainability. Media:scape work stations are set up in several study rooms enabling multiple users to access and share digital information while AVTEQ workstations will provide video classes and conferences between residents and global partners on a regular basis. An Honors College Advisor and visiting scholars and artists will also be housed in the hall.

Likins Hall

Named in honor of former UA President Peter Likins, this new hall will be home to 369 students. The four to six-story hall is located across the street from the Campus Recreation Center and Highland Market on the southeast side of campus. Designed around a hacienda-style interior courtyard, Likins Hall is also focused on community and sustainability. The main entrance welcomes students with a back-lit fused glass wall resembling a waterfall.

A glass-enclosed Great Room, numerous lounges and informal gathering places encourage students to gather for activities or to socialize. Study rooms interspersed on corridors with student rooms facilitate academic success. The first floor will house the nationally recognized Residence Hall Association (RHA), one of the largest student organizations on campus. Students share double rooms with the same sustainable elements as at Arbol de la Vida plus they will also use Building Dashboard to monitor utility usage regularly.

By Pamela Obando, Associate Director, Residence Life

Learn more by visiting UA Residence Life.