Tips for Acing Mixed-Use Student Housing Design
More versatility, convenience and access to real-world experiences—just a few things students want today. Baker Barrios Architects' Grayson Silver expands on key trends.

Reflecting a fundamental shift in what students need and want nowadays, mixed-use student housing developments have become increasingly more popular. By prioritizing accessibility, a sense of community and students’ overall wellbeing, mixed-use projects address the ever-growing demand for more personalized and versatile living experiences, Grayson Silver, managing partner at Baker Barrios Architects told Multi-Housing News.
In this interview, the vertical mixed-use development expert discusses best formulas behind mixed-use projects in the sector, and weighs in on how architects today can address students’ growing appetite for authentic experiences.
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What does the current generation of students expect when it comes to the spaces they live in?
Silver: In terms of flexible multi-use spaces, we are seeing a growing demand for indoor and outdoor spaces that can be adapted to various uses. These spaces can serve as study areas, social gathering spots, fitness zones or relaxation corners, depending on the needs and preferences of the students.
We prioritize creating spaces that nurture physical and mental well-being while fostering connectivity. The current health and wellness trends emphasize the holistic development of mind, body and spirit, with a significant emphasis on mental health. Health programming could include mindfulness programs focusing on meditation, sleep quality and nutrition.
As we concentrate on wellness, we aim to establish a robust connection with nature. Amenities such as study lounges and fitness centers are being designed to bring the outdoors in, either through large windows or operable walls that open in warmer months. We are also seeing a rise in spaces that encourage creativity, like maker spaces and performance rooms.
Power over Ethernet can revolutionize the way we design and manage student housing, as it powers a wide range of devices, from lighting and security systems to smart appliances, all while reducing the need for separate power and data cables. Smart grids can significantly enhance the energy efficiency of both on and off-campus communities, leading to substantial cost savings, a reduced carbon footprint and a more sustainable living environment for students.
How challenging is it to cater to students’ constantly changing needs? What are the latest trends in student housing design?

Silver: Today’s students have high expectations in their student life experience, seeking a blend of comfort, functionality and a sense of community. Privacy is a key aspect, with students increasingly preferring single-occupancy units. This is often their first home away from home, so having a space that feels personal and private is important.
Considering how students arrive at their front door can be equally as important as the dwelling unit itself. This is why so many developments are exploring the concept of social corridors compared to the monotony of the typical double-loaded corridors. Open-air corridors provide each apartment with access to natural elements like sunlight, fresh air, scenic views and communal spaces.
These factors transform the passageway into a space that feels more like a public space or sidewalk, promoting social interaction. Moreover, these open-air passageways enable a design where each apartment has windows on both sides leading outdoors. This design is significant as it offers more control over social encounters and enhances natural lighting and cross-ventilation.
Bedrooms are seen as personal sanctuaries. Students desire well-designed bedrooms that offer ample space, comfortable furniture and sufficient storage. These elements contribute to creating a restful environment where students can unwind, recharge and focus on their studies. The design of these spaces should consider factors such as lighting, acoustics and ergonomics to promote productivity and well-being.
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How do shifts in students’ preferences and lifestyle influence the design of the amenities offered in modern student housing developments?
Silver: Each generation has its own unique needs and preferences and as designers, we need to understand these nuances. We’ve moved from Millennials to Gen Z and now we’re looking at Gen Alpha. They’re predicted to be more brand-aware than ever. It is expected they will look for developments that favor amenities such as high visibility maker spaces, globally connected study labs and integrated extended reality technologies.
This generation will expect collaboration spaces at every scale, outdoor learning spaces and community spaces which are predicted to provide targeted developmental support and promote connectivity, cross-disciplinary thinking, peer interaction and mentorship.
Are today’s students looking for convenience more than anything else? Is convenience what is driving demand for more mixed-use student housing developments?
Silver: The design of student housing units should offer flexible, multi-use spaces, well-designed bedrooms and digital infrastructure to support the academic and personal growth of students. While convenience and a diverse range of amenities are important, affordability remains a key concern for students. Therefore, developers need to strike a balance between providing high-quality, convenient accommodations and keeping costs affordable. This can be achieved through strategies such as cross-subsidization, where the inclusion of market-rate units within a mixed-income development can make the development more financially feasible and less reliant on public subsidy.
Mixed-use developments cater to the changing needs and preferences of students, support a variety of other development types and contribute to the creation of communities. The best way to improve our design standards is by engaging with students to understand their needs and desires for the space. This feedback-driven approach ensures that our designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and conducive to a positive living and learning environment.
Baker Barrios Architects designed UnionWest, a mixed-use project at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Can you share some details about the development and the different types of spaces it includes?

Silver: UnionWest stands as a testament to the adaptability of contemporary student housing, offering 640 beds and over 100,000 square feet of academic programming across its 15-story structure, open to both UCF and Valencia College students. With our design partners, Cannon Design, we crafted a five-story academic podium that accommodates UCF’s administration offices, a downtown health and wellness clinic, as well as Valencia College and Disney’s culinary school. This building includes 105,000 square feet of academic space leased to UCF and Valencia College, housing active learning classrooms, offices and student support services.
The sixth-floor amenity deck is a distinctive feature, offering an outdoor terrace with views of Luminary Green, the park of the Creative Village and the downtown skyline. This space provides a tranquil retreat for students, promoting a sense of community within the building. Each of the 10 residential floors offers communal gathering rooms for studying, entertainment and socializing. Residents also have access to a full kitchen, laundry facilities and a resident-only clubroom with lounge and study areas at every level.
UnionWest was designed with a dual purpose: to support the Downtown UCF campus and to serve as a conduit to the Electronic Arts digital media corporate office. This strategic design fosters interaction and collaboration between academia and the corporate world, offering students invaluable exposure to real-world experiences. It also features 12,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space.
Besides UnionWest, are you involved in other mixed-use student housing projects? What elements make those developments stand out?
Silver: We are currently working on a new mixed-use, on-campus student housing project at The University of Tampa, in collaboration with our design partner, KWJ Architects. This 460,000-square-foot space will be the largest building on the university’s campus, symbolizing its dedication to fostering student growth and the expansion of the north campus.
The design, which incorporates red brick, precast concrete, metal and glass, is a harmonious blend of the campus’ historic architecture with contemporary additions. One of the standout features of this project is a 9,000-square-foot ‘sky park’ accessible from the secured residence hall floors, providing both active and passive zones to enhance the student living experience.
This multi-purpose building is designed to accommodate a residence hall with 730 beds; 37 faculty offices, creating a conducive environment for faculty-student interaction; five classrooms facilitating onsite learning; designated study lounge for veterans and other study spaces; a Starbucks café; and spaces for the DEI Office, the Institute for Sales Excellence and the International Programs Office. Additionally, it will provide parking for 440 vehicles, addressing the need for convenient on-campus parking.

What considerations are essential when determining the right formula for mixed-use design in student housing?
Silver: From a developer’s standpoint, the success of a mixed-use student housing project is contingent upon a comprehensive early-phase market assessment. This evaluation is instrumental in optimizing occupancy, rental rates and net operating income growth. The project’s location, particularly its proximity to the campus, is another determinant of success. Financing these projects often necessitates a blend of strategies, including traditional bank loans, private investors, venture capital, real estate investment trusts and alternative financing options like crowdfunding.
Universities face their unique set of challenges. The past decade has witnessed a surge in enrollment that has outpaced on-campus housing growth, leading to an affordable housing crisis within universities. To mitigate this, universities are advancing development plans to expand mixed-use residential housing for students on the main campus. Moreover, universities are striving to create mixed-use student housing and residence halls that not only mirror the campus culture but also serve as social and learning hubs for students.
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What elements that are specific to other asset types get mixed into student housing projects today? In what way do hospitality or health care influence student housing design?
Silver: We perceive the influence of hospitality on student housing design as a significant factor that shapes the living experience of students. The design process is not only about creating a physical structure but also about embodying the unique nuances of the school culture, the surrounding city context and the students themselves. Amenities such as fast internet, package management systems, smart temperature control, shared community spaces, study spaces, hassle-free laundry, outdoor spaces, bike storage and repair centers, rooftop pools and multifunctional training in fitness centers, are all influenced by hospitality principles.
The integration of health care-related features into student housing design is an area of growing interest. The physical environment where students live and learn can significantly impact their overall well-being and their learning capacity. As architects, we consider elements like natural lighting, comfortable furniture and good ventilation, which can help students concentrate and feel energized and motivated.
How will student housing developments look like in the future? What are some of your expectations?
Silver: A particularly promising notion is the fusion of business incubators with student residences. Universities like Stanford and MIT have already implemented this concept. They provide shared workspaces, mentorship and seed funding for student-led startups. This not only encourages entrepreneurial spirit but also provides students with practical business experience.
By equipping startups with essential resources and occasionally even financial support, we can cultivate a setting that promotes innovation, teamwork and entrepreneurship. This is especially attractive to Generation Alpha, who appreciate practical, experiential learning and desire an education that equips them for real-world challenges.
With technology rendering education without borders, there could be global shared housing facilities for students studying overseas. Companies like Uniplaces and Student.com help international students find safe and affordable housing abroad, making education more accessible and providing a home-like environment for international students.