Texas Christian University, East Campus Student Housing

Investing in the residential experience

CannonDesign has played a leading role in Texas Christian University’s (TCU) transformation over the past two decades, reimagining the built environment to drive the evolution of campus culture, pedagogy, programming and the broader experience for the TCU community — now and for generations to come. The new student housing precinct is the next phase of our ongoing partnership.

Tcu Eastcampusres 1 — CannonDesign has played a leading role in Texas Christian University’s (TCU) transformation over the past two decades, reimagining the built environment to drive the evolution of campus culture, pedagogy, programming and the broader experience for the TCU community — now and for generations to come. The new student housing precinct is the next phase of our ongoing partnership.

Client: Texas Christian University
Location: Texas, United States
Size: 125,000
Status: In Progress

As the first phase of Texas Christian University’s (TCU) Campus Student Life Master Plan, the East Campus Housing and Dining Precinct aims to provide a robust residential experience that reflects the fabric and culture of TCU. At roughly 125,000 sf, the project integrates new first-year student housing, dining and student life space into a connected and collaborative community that supports students in their social and academic pathways.

To support first-year students in their transition to campus life, spaces throughout the buildings are designed to create an environment where all students feel welcome to choose their level on engagement.

The housing community will offer space for nearly 300 students, with inviting community kitchens and ample social lounges, study rooms and collaboration spaces at various scales. It will also include academic space and a small coffee shop which all open onto a terrace and courtyard.

The first floor is envisioned as an active public zone, featuring a large collision space that can accommodate small seminar classes, support first-year orientation and is programmable for student-faculty engagement outside of the classroom.

The courtyard in the front serves as a formal quad for everyone at the university, while the rear of the building features a more informal, student-oriented “backyard” that features games, a BBQ grill and other amenities for the residents.

The programming and planning of this building has exceed our expectations for the site and will serve our students in numerous ways that will allow them grow and develop in their intellectual and social capacities.

Texas Christian University Executive Committee

The residential floors are organized to create distinct areas of activity to cater to students across the spectrum of neurodiversity. This approach provides a range of choices, offering both calm, reflective spaces and active, vibrant areas. These areas were thoughtfully designed with the appropriate furniture and finishes, establishing a gradient of environments that provides pockets of wellness throughout.

The building features a two-story connection at its center, bridging the public first level and the residential common areas.

This design creates a separation while allowing residents to remain connected to the collaborative space without being fully immersed.

In addition, the students can choose from two room options, providing choice in layout and affordability. Additionally, the design includes increased accessible unit occupancy to accommodate students with physical and health needs.

Adjacent to housing, a seven platform, 550-seat board dining hall provides convenient access for meals and becomes a student living room during off-peak hours. With future planned residential development in mind, the dining back of house is upsized to accommodate additional demand and planned future platform and seating expansion.