Theory U District is thoughtfully designed student housing that captures its ideal central location within the University District. The project is composed of two building masses brought together by a pair of connected courtyards that become the nexus of the community and distinguish Theory U District from other student housing options. Designing around these greenspaces, our team set out to create a safe, welcoming place for students to study and relax just blocks from campus. Inspired by the project’s setting at the intersection of residential and academic communities, as well as in between neighborhood greenspaces, our team developed two core architectural concepts—“convergence of community” and “connected open spaces.” The first is conveyed in the massing of the project, imagined as a single rectangular structure at the convergence of residential and academic communities, that is pulled apart by the dual forces to create two buildings connected by central open spaces. The second concept is actualized as a pair of linked courtyards. These private amenities “connect” a key pair of nearby public greenspaces: University of Washington’s campus quads to the south and Ravenna Park to the north. On either side of our outdoor spaces, the buildings’ massing demarcates connection to either academic or residential communities. The two courtyards offer an idyllic setting for student gatherings, lawn games, and relaxation. They also allow for more fresh air and natural light to flow through the center of the large building. Raised planters and trees create a lush environment while offering privacy for the units facing them. A double height breezeway connects the courtyards for continuous navigation. Warm colored paneling in various shades on walls that surround them further fosters their inviting, communal feeling. This palette is inspired by the brickwork of nearby buildings and contrasts the urban aesthetic of the simple and clean material on the street-facing façades. While these beautiful courtyards are solely for residents, Theory U District also delivers a memorable public presence to passersby in the form of an entry plaza, with two-story high windows that wrap around the street corner. Activated amenity areas —media lounge, communal coffee bar, banquet with chairs and tables, accent staircase, and concierge—are intentionally located along two of the windowed street frontages to enliven the façades. The main entry is also strategically located directly next to a bus stop that takes residents to and from campus. Along 15th Ave, ground-level residential unit entries along the street balance privacy and connection to the public. The raised patios and stoops have been thoughtfully positioned with guardrails and Corten metal privacy screens to demarcate this change in space without losing the welcoming sensibility. With the elevated, international tastes of its future residents in mind, our architecture team designed student housing that is not just sophisticated in concept, but also adept in functionality. At the convergence of residential and academic communities, both publicly viewable indoor amenities and private outdoor courtyards offer students a range of spaces to learn and lounge in comfort at Theory U District.

Seattle’s diverse, high-achieving student population brings elevated standards for housing design. We married our client’s desire to create a hospitality-inspired environment with our future residents’ expectation for multifunctional, inclusive amenities. Theory U District will offer its residents diverse opportunities to study, socialize, relax, and repeat in style. Overall, we sought to provide an environment that encourages activeness and socialization, but also gives residents options to retreat and be alone or in small groups. Each unit has a living space and kitchen, and most residents will have their own bedrooms and bathrooms. Select units also feature upgraded unit finishes. Outside the private apartments, we have created a variety of study spaces for every atmosphere, group size, or level of social interaction. Under the staircase, an intimate seating area with pillows provides a more private, peaceful option. In contrast, a large, open entry plaza is complete with a lounge, coffee bar, and banquet with chairs and tables, ideal for group projects or studying amongst friends. This arrival area is designed to welcome residents returning home from campus via the bus stop directly in front of the building. With double heigh ceilings and a giant feature wall decorated with a wood pattern, the space feels grand upon first impression. Busy study and amenity areas are intentionally located within view of the two-story street-facing windows that wrap around the corner of the building, allowing the activities inside and outside the building to feed off each other. At night, accent lighting fixtures will be on full display, illuminating the entry plaza like a beacon for approaching residents. As people move further inside, the environment becomes more intimate, with utilitarian areas, like the mail room, conveniently located but also tucked away. Our interiors team designed around the concept of nature and urban coming together, a reference to the Pacific Northwest’s wild beauty and Seattle’s city energy.  Our color palette is largely muted, with dark blues, greys, light wood, and black metal accents. The nature-inspired areas, concentrated around the building’s interior courtyards, are designed to feel serene, comfortable, and connected fresh air and daylight. Elements include organic flooring patterns and wood slat space dividers. Urban aesthetics are prominent in the street-facing spaces along the buildings’ perimeters. Layered pops of red, metal, and geometric pattern create the urban edge with vibrancy and authenticity. Qualities of industrial and Scandinavian design in the amenity areas help create a neutral, contemporary environment.   Our goal with Theory U District was to design versatile, diverse indoor and outdoor spaces that are welcoming to any type of student—keeping in mind the unique needs of Seattle’s large international student population too. We have thoughtfully balanced inclusive styles and amenities, while still offering design-forward qualities to surpass market standards.