Northwestern State University

Natchitoches, Louisiana

BOKA Powell designed new apartment style student housing for Northwestern State University that added 392-beds and 140,000 SF to campus housing. The overall design objective was to give students a safe, state-of-the-art living environment that provides clear circulation to the campus and the dining hall.

The parking around the complex is zoned to minimize walking distance. The outdoor activity areas include volleyball courts and a swimming pool. Three buildings are configured on the site to create a variety of exterior spaces connected by a Community Center, which consists of a large multi-purpose room, office suits and a lobby/lounge area.

The living units are situated in clusters of nine, which minimizes the number of corridors and the feel of a traditional dormitory environment. Common areas on each floor include study space, activity lounge areas, and laundry facilities. The exterior façades of the buildings are designed to harmonize with the historic campus architecture, while exhibiting their own unique quality.