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Western Michigan University Arcadia Flats Student Housing

A catalyst project for a multi-phased re-development of the University’s residential villages

  • 168K

    Square Feet

  • 350

    Units

  • Kalamazoo, Michigan

    Kalamazoo, Michigan

Bringing sustainable, equitable, and inclusive housing to WMU

Arcadia Flats, the newest housing development in Western Michigan University’s (WMU) South Neighborhood, was started and completed during a simultaneous master planning effort to reimagine that area of campus. The facility was designed to embody a new approach to residence life that focuses on sustainable design and lifestyle, equitable and inclusive housing for a diverse student body, and a whole-building life-cycle approach to systems thinking.

This 300+ unit residence hall stemmed from the concept of a terrarium whereby residential life thrived within the broader campus ecosystem. The unique lifestyle of the student could be fit to one of five different unit types while sharing the amenities and social spaces with the rest of the community. This approach was coupled with wellness and biophilia, utilizing wood and other natural materials extensively, and drawing emphasis to the stairs in lieu of elevators. All of this was accomplished while assuring every unit, corridor, common space, and public area contained views and natural daylight through operable windows or window wall systems.

This concept of student life sets a benchmark at the university for residential buildings, especially in WMU’s South Neighborhood, and the role such buildings play in the overall student experience on campus. 

At a Glance

Offices
Meet Our Team

Tamara Roy, Principal, Architecture

I pursue artful solutions in every design project—turning constraints into opportunities for creative invention.

Travis Sage, Principal, Architect

I believe that social and environmental responsibility is created through inspired placemaking and the moments we share within.

Joe Lapinski, Senior Associate

None of my inventions ever came about by accident, they came about by work – Thomas Edison

Elizabeth King, Senior Associate, Architecture

I tell my kids listening is the key to solving problems. The design process is the same—paying attention is how we create design solutions.

David Milligan, Senior Associate, Senior Project Architect

I approach each project as a logic problem and strive to create a design solution that is aesthetically pleasing, sustainable and resilient.

Dan O’Connor , Electrical Team Leader

As electrical engineers, we design systems that illuminate buildings and structures and forge a path to a greener, more sustainable world.

Kristin Simoneaux, Associate, Senior Mechanical Engineer

My goal is to design systems that benefit the client, the user, and the environment through innovative design.

Tamara Roy

Principal, Architecture

Travis Sage

Principal, Architect

Joe Lapinski

Senior Associate

Elizabeth King

Senior Associate, Architecture

David Milligan

Senior Associate, Senior Project Architect

Dan O’Connor

Electrical Team Leader

Kristin Simoneaux

Associate, Senior Mechanical Engineer

We’re better together

  • Become a client

    Partner with us today to change how tomorrow looks. You’re exactly what’s needed to help us make it happen in your community.

  • Design your career

    Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.

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