The DePauw University Housing Plan represents a collaborative, phased approach to student housing on campus, integrating sustainability, student life trends, and stakeholder input. This project included an extensive evaluation of housing stock, programmatic needs, and a community-informed planning process, to inform the development of a phased plan for DePauw University long term residential life experiences.

Key objectives included ensuring universal accessibility to outdoor spaces and building entries, introducing outdoor social spaces, enhancing safety at roadway crossings, and incorporating trees and native plants that celebrate the local ecology. The design process emphasized engagement, utilizing focus groups, stakeholder meetings, and informal interactions with students to ensure the plan addressed the diverse needs of the residential campus.

Immediate improvements, such as accessible paths, native plantings, and pop-up parks, demonstrate the plan’s commitment to equity, wellness, and community vitality. A current student remarked, “The primary entrance for every building should also be the accessible entrance,” underscoring the project’s focus on inclusivity.

The built environments aim the elevate DePauws’ residential experience with their academic and co-curricular priorities, and will enhance student belonging, engagement and long-term success.

The result is a thoughtful, sustainable plan that preserves the campus’ historic character while enriching student life and fostering connection through dynamic, welcoming spaces.