UMASS Undergraduate + Graduate Housing

With much of UMass Amherst’s student housing in need of replacement or renovation, the University determined that a public-private partnership would be the best way to satisfy on-campus housing demands. The complex activates an under-utilized section of campus through the addition of student activity spaces and retail options while connecting to the existing Southwest Residence Halls.

The undergraduate building sits directly along Massachusetts Avenue and features an elevated connection between the main building mass and the “bent bar” wing of the building, creating a natural walking path from Massachusetts Ave to the main entrance of the building located in the interior courtyard. A natural travel path and site lines further connect to the entrance of the graduate building which is recessed off of the street to provide a quieter atmosphere.

Brick was chosen for the façade of the building along the campus facing elevation to give it an urban feel, while also keeping the building connected to the University. The remainder of the building is clad in a variety of 4” and 8” lap siding to create visual distinctions and interest over the proportions of both buildings.