A collaboration of EDA Architects, Yazdani Studio of Cannon Design, and Arup, the University of Utah's newest project for the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute - "Lassonde Studios" - has broke ground. Slated as a space to live, work, and create, the building supports the mission to make the Lassonde Institute an international destination for student entrepreneurs, innovators and “makers.” The Studios will open for students in fall of 2016.
Mehrdad Yazdani, lead designer for the project, stated, "Everything about this building has been unique and different, even our design process. We started by challenging our assumptions about student housing and exploring the boundaries between where students live and work. The result is an entirely new campus building typology."
The 148,000 square foot, five story building includes over 400 student residences, in addition to a 20,000 square foot "garage" space ideal for student events. Moveable furniture will furnish a large open area in order to give students control over their environment and accommodate diverse activities. Functioning as a student union, the "garage" will be the heart of the studios, and include spaces for collaboration, private offices for startups, a cafe, lounge, and technology lab with 3D printers, sewing machines, hand tools, laser cutters and more.
Above the garage, four floors of living options will include moveable living pods, loft rooms, single and double rooms, and additional collaboration and study space. The living pods were designed exclusively for the Lassonde Studios as seven foot by seven foot private living areas that can be moved and rearranged within a larger suite. Each pod contains a bed, shelving, and storage, while each suite includes bathrooms, a kitchen, and community "maker" space.
The loft rooms have a more open character, accommodating groups of students in a large collective area. Shared creative space and kitchens allow students to live an urban lifestyle within the campus setting. For more private options, single and double rooms are available as well.
Driven by a spirit of innovation and creativity, the mission of the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute is reflected in the Lassonde Studios. Taylor Randall, Dean of the School of Business, explained, "We want to accelerate the time it takes for students to see their ideas become a reality, and we want to give them a place where they can meet and form interdisciplinary teams…The Lassonde Studios will galvanize that community and give every student the opportunity to pursue their dreams."
Architects
Location
The University of Utah, 201 Presidents Cir, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USALead Designer
Mehrdad YazdaniGeneral Contractor
Gramoli ConstructionArea
160000.0 ft2Project Year
2014Photographs
Architects
