Potts and Robinson Suites at Louisiana Tech University - Ruston, Louisiana
Potts and Robinson Suites at Louisiana Tech University - Ruston, Louisiana
Potts and Robinson Suites at Louisiana Tech University - Ruston, Louisiana
Potts and Robinson Suites at Louisiana Tech University - Ruston, Louisiana
Potts and Robinson Suites at Louisiana Tech University - Ruston, Louisiana
Potts and Robinson Suites at Louisiana Tech University - Ruston, Louisiana
Potts and Robinson Suites at Louisiana Tech University - Ruston, Louisiana
Potts and Robinson Suites at Louisiana Tech University - Ruston, Louisiana
Potts and Robinson Suites at Louisiana Tech University - Ruston, Louisiana
Potts and Robinson Suites at Louisiana Tech University - Ruston, Louisiana
with: Tipton Associates
Ruston, Louisiana
client: Louisiana Tech University
completed: 2018

The residential suites are arranged to form two new campus commons in concert with existing dormitories. Close to the heart of campus, the Robinson Suites at Aswell Commons include 122 beds with buildings carefully placed around legacy oak trees. The Robinson Suites reinforce the edge of a major campus pedestrian path comprised of engraved alumni bricks at the origination of the Alumni Walkway.

The Potts Suites at Dudley Commons are nestled around legacy oak trees and a reclaimed lawn that was formerly parking. These suites include 212 beds and are positioned prominently at the corner of the south campus gateway. A colonnade defines the entry into Dudley Commons, connecting two of the suite buildings, and features the 12 illuminated Tech Tenets engraved in stone at the columns.

Drawing on the inspiration of the traditional historic walk-up dormitories on campus, the new suites are vertically composed to create living communities of about 40 students each. Student entry circulation is directed through active Lounge spaces where students can cook and share a meal at a long family-style bar or gather together to watch a movie. The lounges are transparent by design – welcoming to visiting students and extending out to views of the Commons neighborhood beyond. Steel trellises with perforated sunshades visually extend the Lounge space and provide exterior social space for each suite. Vertical circulation up to the bedroom suites is composed of glass and zinc panels to contrast with the primary brick volumes of the building.