The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee recently unveiled the new 100,000-sf Atala Residence Hall and Student Center to foster community on the growing campus. The residential component houses 204 students, with traditional undergraduates in double occupancy rooms and private baths, and fifth-year nursing students in apartment-style units. These two demographics will coexist on each floor but separated into two wings by a common lounge and vertical circulation, allowing for informal mentorship opportunities. The two-floor student center acts as a campus living room, featuring a 100-seat flexible dining venue, retail bookstore, convenience store, student lounges and a dividable ballroom that allows for new programming opportunities.
Shape
This project represents many firsts for USF Sarasota-Manatee - their first campus residence hall and first dedicated student center. A monumental stair leads to a second floor where student engagement and student activities offices are located along with additional meeting rooms, a flexible open area for clubs, and an outdoor terrace that overlooks the main courtyard and pond. On the sixth floor, we've included a multipurpose room and community kitchen offering stunning views of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf. This project was designed to achieve LEED Silver certification, using passive strategies like an east-west orientation and covered arcades at the ground floor in addition to energy efficient systems, a durable insulated precast concrete envelope, native plantings, and sustainable finish materials.
Inspire
Our design aims to transform this primarily commuter campus into a vibrant residential community. By providing vital social infrastructure, the building is infusing the campus with around-the-clock energy. From the campus living room that welcomes both residents and commuters, to the commanding views from the upper floors, every aspect of this building is designed to inspire and engage students. Completed in 2024, this fast-track Design/Build project demonstrates our ability to efficiently execute complex, high-impact projects that support university growth and enhance student life.
The students who will soon move into the new Campus Student Center and Atala Residence Hall will create history together as the first USF Bulls to live, learn and grow in this transformational facility. We look forward to seeing all the ways in which they will contribute to our campus community.
