5 of the most innovative student common areas in the US

Study International Staff

09 May 2019

5 of the most innovative student common areas in the US — What's your opinion of these student common spaces? Source: Austin Distel/Unsplash

Bored of outdated furniture and beanbags?

Lately, design and innovation has swept over student common areas in the US.

Foldable bookcases and innovative storage cabinets are sparking huge trends. Source: Giphy

Here are five examples of design innovation in action…

Frank Lloyd Wright’s School of Architecture – Scottsdale

View this post on Instagram

Just a run of the mill SoAT Student Meeting in a one of a kind student-built shelter Photo Credit: @suitelorraine Shelter Credit: @nomadic.roots

A post shared by SoA Taliesin (@soa_taliesin) on Apr 4, 2019 at 7:47am PDT

Did you know that students at this school of architecture get to build their own shelter in the Sonoran desert?

Perhaps one of the quirkiest common areas, here’s an example of their student-built shelter where community meetings take place!

Parsons School of Design – New York

View this post on Instagram

readingoutsideinthecourtyard! SPRING!

A post shared by The New School (@thenewschool) on Apr 12, 2019 at 12:37pm PDT

With simple yet practical chill out structures dotted around campus, Parsons provides relaxed common areas for students to enjoy.

Established in 1919, design has always been at the heart of student engagement here.

Rice University – Houston

View this post on Instagram

Thank you to all who came to hear @shepherd_school musicians perform new works by the school’s composers who were inspired by @nmbowdoin’s installation “Sideways to the Sun.” Stay tuned for more New Art/New Music. ——— #moodyhtx #music #art #gallery #natashabowdoin #houston

A post shared by Moody Center for the Arts (@themoodyarts) on Apr 13, 2019 at 2:09pm PDT

At the Moody Center for the Arts, common areas are transformed into public art spaces for both Rice students and the general public to admire.

Blurring the boundaries between art and design, this is a common space not to be missed!

Hub Madison – Wisconsin

View this post on Instagram

Spring has sprung! ‘Tis the season for courtyard volleyball 🏐

A post shared by Hub Madison (@hubmadison) on Apr 5, 2019 at 3:04pm PDT

Accommodation for University of Wisconsin students includes a fitness centre, yoga studio, outdoor grilling areas and courtyard, a media room and lounge, bike storage, golf simulator, sauna and spa for all to use!

Acknowledging what it takes for students to de-stress in the modern age, the hub encompasses all the living and entertainment essentials.

Aspen Heights – North Carolina

View this post on Instagram

This weekends mood is sponsored by Aspen vibes. ☀️ Come live your best life with your besties and receive savings up to $900 towards rent 🙌🏼

A post shared by Aspen Heights TAMU (@aspentamu) on May 3, 2019 at 3:34pm PDT

Want to live the American dream in North Carolina?

If so, Aspen Heights is the ideal location.

With a pool serving as the common area, you’re not confined to small student rooms with a few sofas and sad decoration. Instead, you’ll enjoy your university experience in the Californian sunshine by this beautiful poolside!