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University of Iowa — Hillcrest Hall
University of Iowa — Hillcrest Hall
Iowa City, IA, United States
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Other Projects by OPN Architects
University of Iowa — Hillcrest Hall
Iowa City, IA, United States
Firm
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2024
SIZE
100,000 sqft - 300,000 sqft
BUDGET
$10M - 50M
Once dark and dull, with tired finishes and furnishings, Hillcrest Residence Hall was re-invented in a phased renovation over three years as part of the University of Iowa’s long-term plan to modernize the fabric of their housing inventory to address current and future students’ expectations and needs. The finishes in all 423 rooms in the 250,000-square-foot building were refreshed; floors were reconfigured to make room for individual pod-style restrooms, and much needed study areas were created.
It’s the common areas, though, that most reflect the building’s transformation for residents as well as the students who visit the hall daily to eat in the only dining hall on the west side of the river.
Color applied with intentionality through tile, carpet, and paint visually differentiates between the building’s north and south wings and core, simplifying wayfinding in what was once a confusing labyrinth created by multiple additions over nearly a century. Floors are marked by tiles laid in chevron patterns inspired by navy rank insignias honoring the building’s history as lodging for sailors during WWII.
In the new study lounges, a variety of furnishings and configurations flex from floor to floor and wing to wing to accommodate varying room sizes and layouts while still creating both visual and experiential equity throughout the building.
Each of the building’s three main lounges – Martha’s Lounge, H-Lounge, and North Lounge – have a unique identity.
Named for Hillcrest’s longtime “dorm mother,” Martha’s Lounge takes on the funky mid-century vibes of its namesake. Wood accents, soft seating in the school’s signature black and gold, a super-sized IOWA in the windows that light up at night, and a variety of game tables create a cozy yet energetic space for students to gather and socialize.
Once a pass through space, H-Lounge is now a destination for residents as well as students who need a place to drop in on the westside of campus. A living room with a fireplace and a variety of seating choices in cheerful colors breaks down the scale of the once cavernous, yet dark, space. With an interactive video wall that changes with the seasons - students can build a snowman in the winter and feed their fish in the summer – on one side and black and gold seating that spells IOWA on the other, the room within a room carves new paths while also offering student’s choices. The “deck,” with outdoor furniture and grass-like green carpet, capitalizes on the lounge’s riverfront views.
In the building’s oldest portion, the North Lounge’s original dark wood work and views to the river are celebrated and emphasized with furniture in the same vibrant hues used throughout the building.
Each space in Hillcrest now works together to create a more inviting, modern, and student-centered environment.
It’s the common areas, though, that most reflect the building’s transformation for residents as well as the students who visit the hall daily to eat in the only dining hall on the west side of the river.
Color applied with intentionality through tile, carpet, and paint visually differentiates between the building’s north and south wings and core, simplifying wayfinding in what was once a confusing labyrinth created by multiple additions over nearly a century. Floors are marked by tiles laid in chevron patterns inspired by navy rank insignias honoring the building’s history as lodging for sailors during WWII.
In the new study lounges, a variety of furnishings and configurations flex from floor to floor and wing to wing to accommodate varying room sizes and layouts while still creating both visual and experiential equity throughout the building.
Each of the building’s three main lounges – Martha’s Lounge, H-Lounge, and North Lounge – have a unique identity.
Named for Hillcrest’s longtime “dorm mother,” Martha’s Lounge takes on the funky mid-century vibes of its namesake. Wood accents, soft seating in the school’s signature black and gold, a super-sized IOWA in the windows that light up at night, and a variety of game tables create a cozy yet energetic space for students to gather and socialize.
Once a pass through space, H-Lounge is now a destination for residents as well as students who need a place to drop in on the westside of campus. A living room with a fireplace and a variety of seating choices in cheerful colors breaks down the scale of the once cavernous, yet dark, space. With an interactive video wall that changes with the seasons - students can build a snowman in the winter and feed their fish in the summer – on one side and black and gold seating that spells IOWA on the other, the room within a room carves new paths while also offering student’s choices. The “deck,” with outdoor furniture and grass-like green carpet, capitalizes on the lounge’s riverfront views.
In the building’s oldest portion, the North Lounge’s original dark wood work and views to the river are celebrated and emphasized with furniture in the same vibrant hues used throughout the building.
Each space in Hillcrest now works together to create a more inviting, modern, and student-centered environment.
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