Dormitory + University [International Dorm-City]

Outline* The shown information is the one as of the awarded date and might has been changed.

Outline: This is a project of an international student dormitory where students from all over the world with different backgrounds gather, learning and interacting through communal living. We wanted to reimagine the joy of living together, expecting each habitant's unique contribution. The aim is to create an open living environment, under the theme "Sustainable Interaction" nurtured in daily life.
Producer: Kanagawa University Campus Development Planning Committee
Director: Expert Member, Kanagawa University Campus Development Planning Committee TsutomuShigemura, ToshiakiIshida, SeizoUchida, KyokoYamaga, MasashiSogabe, KunioNakai
Designer: ONdesign partners NaokoMangyoku, OsamuNishida, YukoKaminaga, KoheiNishida, OsamuIwasaki + Arup MasakiTokubuchi + ATAKA BOSAI SEKKEI + STGK Inc. + Izumi Okayasu Lighting Design + KMD Inc. + TAIJI FUJIMORI ATELIER; オンデザインパートナーズのデザイナー
More information: https://www.kanagawa-u.ac.jp/campuslife/living/akademeia/
Already in service/use: 2019/7/15

Evaluation

While this design is just one of a growing number of international student dormitories springing up in response to the internationalization of universities, it is worthy of attention in that serious thought has been given to promoting exchange between students, with the result that even the approach to communal spaces has been transformed. The communal landings on the four-level atrium are equipped with 19 shared spaces, each measuring around 10 m², which are scattered throughout the different levels like vertical alleyways. Giving the impression that it would be far more enjoyable to spend time in those spaces than cooped up in one’s room, this spatial composition is ingenious and will undoubtedly make waves in future approaches to dormitories. The corona crisis is triggering a rethink of approaches to dwellings and student dormitories are no exception to this. This feels like a far-sighted project, almost as if the designer had a premonition of our current situation.