Pacific Lutheran University, South Hall

sense of community, PLU’s South Hall uses a large outdoor courtyard to provide a common and secure space for activities. It also offers privacy, independence and flexibility with a variety of living configurations including studios, two- and four-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom townhouses, one-bedroom lofts and one five-bedroom townhouse, each with separate kitchen and bathroom facilities. The west leg of the building has a large two-story area for group functions and classroom space. On-grade parking adjacent to the building is provided for 130 automobiles.
Two central themes encompassed the South Hall design: collaboration and connectivity. An extensive and collaborative programming process, which included meeting with housing staff, faculty and students, allowed the design to reflect the university’s goals, vision and spirit. Because the site is two blocks from the main campus, connection to the campus also was critical. Vacating a street to create a park and facing public areas toward the school helped create the connection. Architectural cues from main campus also were incorporated into the design. The scale, materials, rhythm and colors of South Hall correspond with the character and context of the university.

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