Jackrabbit Village

jackrabbit village south dakota state university brookings, south dakota

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jackrabbit village south dakota state university brookings, south dakota

In 2008, South Dakota State University undertook development of a 10-year residential life and dining services master plan. Phase I of this plan outlined the immediate need for 400+ beds of new undergraduate housing to accommodate growing freshmen and sophomore enrollment.

The university sought to create a new housing experience and set a high standard for residential life projects moving forward.

The concept of phase I evolved during a design charrette with staff, students and designers into a three-building complex of three- and four-story communities with a total of 411 beds. Each floor comprises a 36-bed pod-style arrangement with shared living, kitchen, laundry and quiet lounge spaces overseen by a community assistant.

The new Jackrabbit Village reduces typical SDSU community sizes from 100 residents per floor to 36. The number of students sharing a bathroom is reduced from 50 students to 18. This vast reduction assists in community building, encouraging residents’ affinity for their space and interaction with other students on their floor. A central living room with a kitchen and fireplace lounge on each floor creates a popular gathering spot for study and socializing. Corner lounges accommodate quiet study and offer expansive views of the campus. A mail center, help desk and market on the ground floor offer convenient basic services to residents.

The existing Mathews Hall was also renovated with new lounges and upgraded finishes. A new elevator and stair tower addition completes the entrance to the project, integrating the 1960’s building with the new architecture and reinforcing the village plan.

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jackrabbit village south dakota state university brookings, south dakota

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Careful site planning played an integral role in designing this unique place on campus with a distinct village feel. The three buildings align with an existing housing complex to the east and bookend a new quad to the west. A gateway on the north side greets students as they return from the academic, dining and recreation areas of campus. A more intimate courtyard emerged from the space between the three new buildings, forming the “square� for this new village. A meandering lane winds through the buildings and links a new south drop-off, the north gateway and existing campus circulation. Outdoor spaces are further broken down into areas for small groups to gather, including a patio with an indoor/ outdoor fireplace connecting to the lounge in Mathews Hall. The irregular building masses are juxtaposed with one another and the more traditional complex to the east, creating a dynamic and human-scaled experience as visitors stroll through the project.

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Jackrabbit Village Site Plan

jackrabbit village south dakota state university brookings, south dakota

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9 Building A First Floor Plan

jackrabbit village south dakota state university brookings, south dakota

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Jackrabbit Village incorporates sustainable strategies including daylighting and lighting controls, low flow fixtures, increased ventilation and a very high percentage of regional materials. The project is on track for LEED Gold certification. A monitor in the central lobby and a public website allow students to monitor the energy use of each building, learn about the sustainable features of the project and even compete between communities for the greatest energy efficiency.

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jackrabbit village south dakota state university brookings, south dakota

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Building Elevations

jackrabbit village south dakota state university brookings, south dakota

Precast panel construction was utilized to accommodate a very aggressive 14-month construction schedule, while ensuring longterm durability and ease of maintenance.

Thinset brick was included in the panels to complement the surrounding campus architecture and achieve the visual appeal desired by students. At a total project cost of $55,000 per bed the complex remained well under the national average of $80,000+ for new student housing facilities.

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The project’s success is ultimately measured in students’ reactions, and Jackrabbit Village has become the premier housing option on campus, filling in just days in each semester of its first two years of operation.

The project was awarded a 2011 Outstanding Design for Specialized Facilities from American School & University.