Student Housing

Albany, GA

After the campus flooded in 1994, the University developed a plan to remove most structures from the historic campus in the flood plain of the Flint River. These residence halls are the first of several phases of housing in the new Upper Campus, which will also include academic buildings and the future Ray Charles Center for the Performing Arts.

The promotion of living/learning communities is important to the Albany State Residential Life program. These halls will house a community focused upon performing arts, highlighted by a flexible space for student performances outside the official curriculum. Open common spaces with transparent walls will contain collaborative computer labs, smart media lounges and quiet study rooms. The network of public spaces, both inside the buildings and in exterior courtyards, will promote social interaction and creative expression as an integral part of everyday life.

While Albany State does not plan to pursue LEED Certification, Lord, Aeck & Sargent strives to maximize the sustainability of all projects. The design team is using an energy model to analyze energy savings of potential improvements to the building envelope and mechanical systems. If data clearly demonstrates that specific increases in the initial construction cost will provide sufficient returns in reduced operating expenses, the University is prepared to upgrade materials or systems. The results may qualify the buildings for LEED certification.

Project is being done in collaboration with Chasm Architecture.