Nestled between the dining hall and a wooded landscape, this residence provides students with a respite. This design, awarded LEED Gold, consists of an open lawn for activities, limestone terraces that create a dynamic walking and seating experience, berms, and lush plantings. Limestone seating areas create alcoves and meeting points for students. This project used plantings and amenities to navigate grade changes throughout the site and along the building, celebrating the dynamic landscape that frames the residence hall.

Context Design Role: Lead Site Designer, Pedestrian Hardscapes, Courtyard Design, and Construction Documents

Collaborators: MSKTD & Associates, Mackey Mitchell Architects, and L’Acquis

Context Design led site design on this 700 room, LEED Silver tower, the first new traditional residence hall on campus since IUPUI’s inception in 2014. The project was delivered in a fast-track methodology via a 6-month design schedule and 15-month build.

Placement of the building for this project was an exciting challenge. The parcel was limited in size and nestled into a compact urban context. 360-degree access for move-in, move-out, and emergency vehicle use constrained the limits of a sizeable architectural footprint.

The design solution includes an urban streetscape that opens onto a modern and lushly planted plaza, leading students and visitors to the facility’s main entry. Students enjoy a large, protected courtyard that facilitates student life events while maintaining an intimate garden-like atmosphere suitable for individual study, mingling, and small-group socializing.

Context Design Role: Lead Site Designer, Pedestrian Hardscapes, Courtyard Design, and Construction Documents

Collaborators: MSKTD & Associates, Mackey Mitchell Architects, and L’Acquis

The landscape architects at Context Design worked closely with the architect to ensure a large grove of trees present on the site was maintained and protected throughout the design and construction processes. Situating the Honors College and its residences in this mature landscape setting provides an immediate feel of longevity and history despite it’s completion in 2016.

The Honors College is the first residence hall on Purdue’s campus to integrate academic spaces within a residential setting. To support this dual use, the site features an outdoor plaza with a fire pit, an open lawn for recreation and programs, and outdoor dining spaces.

As one unique detail of this project, the Dean of the Honors College was particularly passionate about the planting palette. Significant research went into plant selections that were edible, including many varieties appropriate for use in teas and medicinal remedies.

Context Design Role: Lead Site Designer, Pedestrian Hardscapes, Courtyard Design, and Construction Documents

Collaborators: CSO, Schneider Geomatics, and Messer Construction

Context Design specializes in creating vibrant campus environments that embody the heart and mind of the collegiate experience. Our team blends academia, healthy living, and athletics to produce iconic community spaces. We strive to celebrate the unique identity, culture, and history of each institution to help shape development and growth.

Selected Higher Education Institutional Experience: 

• Ball State University / Muncie, IN 
• Butler University / Indianapolis, IN 
• Cleveland State University / Cleveland, OH 
• Earlham College / Richmond, IN 
• Indiana State University / Terre Haute, IN 
• Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Indianapolis, IN 
• Indiana University / Bloomington, IN 
• Indiana University Indianapolis / Indianapolis, IN 
• Indiana University East / Richmond, IN 
• Ivy Tech – Kokomo / Kokomo,IN 
• Ivy Tech – Columbus / Columbus, IN 
• Purdue University / West Lafayette, IN 
• University of Notre Dame / South, Bend 
• University of Southern Indiana / Evansville, IN 
• University of Toledo / Toledo, OH