OSU Corvallis Campus Housing and Dining Vision Phase 1 – Residence Prototype and Building Design Services

Corvallis, OR

In collaboration with Mithūn.

Oregon State University’s Corvallis Campus Housing and Dining Vision highlights the role of high-quality housing and dining in student success. With the demand for on-campus housing growing for first year and upper-division students, OSU has begun strategically expanding and diversifying its housing and dining inventory. Over the next ten years, OSU will steadily increase the Corvallis campus’ capacity to accommodate approximately 7,500 students, or 3,500 more than those currently housed.

The Rowell Brokaw + Mithun team have been selected to complete Phase 1 of the Corvallis Campus Housing and Dining Vision. Phase 1 lays the groundwork for the design of future residence halls through the development of a residential prototype that will be implemented in all phases of the Vision project. Phase 1 work also includes the design and construction of one new residence hall in the south campus neighborhood, with two more to follow in subsequent years.

In close collaboration with OSU and CM/GC Turner Construction, the design team is developing a residential prototype that utilizes strategies and systems that can be successfully repeated and scaled. The team is establishing a clear “kit of parts” that spans programmatic and technical aspects. Modularity, prefabrication, panelized technologies, flatpack strategies, and systems with low-carbon impact are all being explored. Mass timber elements have been identified as a key component in the prototype. Inclusivity and ways to build community are central to the design. Ultimately, the prototype will be efficient and flexible, with the ability to adjust to particular sites, dwelling types, and community needs.

Using the prototype, Rowell Brokaw + Mithun is designing one new residence hall that will add 650-700 beds to the Corvallis campus, with an eventual bed capacity of roughly 1,700 beds across three buildings. The Phase 1 buildings will primarily consist of double occupancy rooms configured in a semi-suite arrangement, clustered around gender inclusive restrooms and gathering space.

The team has finalized the prototype and is currently in Design Development for the new residence hall.