Colonia de la Paz Residence Hall, University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona

Client: University of Arizona, Tucson

Colonia de la Paz Residence Hall was the first building according to the Highland District Master Plan that transformed an amorphous campus service area into an academic and residential neighborhood that incorporates teaching, social, recreational, and commercial spaces. Many sustainable measures were incorporated in this building in response to the Sonoran Desert’s extreme climate: all courtyards are enclosed and self-shading; walkways are covered but open to the weather; and a wind tower passively cools one of the two principal courtyards. Ringing these two courtyards are the major shared living rooms. The student residents take full advantage of the amenities of this facility, its living rooms, study rooms, dining rooms, and recreational suites. The result is a 500-bed complex that feels more like a resort hotel than a dormitory.