Building on a respected 15-year relationship between MMA and the University of Norte Dame, Mackey Mitchell was selected to design a new women’s residence hall for 230 students at the University of Notre Dame. Slated to open in fall 2020, the hall is designed to fit in with the University’s Collegiate Gothic vernacular and consists of timeless materials such as Notre Dame’s golden signature brick, limestone, slate roofs and copper. Careful attention to exterior detailing and massing was a priority of the design team.
Shape
The hall features a combination of single, double, and quad rooms with shared community bathrooms, plus RA rooms and faculty/rector apartments. Amenities include an open main kitchen and lounge space, study spaces, laundry facilities, and exercise space. Additionally, one of the signature attributes of a residential community on the campus is the inclusion of a hall Chapel, each one being unique in its design. This chapel in particular has the added attribute of being at the apex of a long view on the north quad, centrally located and anchoring the hall on the site. Another featured program element giving this hall a unique community is a large reading room on the ground floor with large windows, which includes a soft color palette and warm wood tones.
Inspire
The Johnson Family Hall is the latest project that is helping accomplish the university’s residential life goals. MMA’s work on campus started with an all-encompassing Residential Master Plan in 2004, then leading to the design of the 232-bed Duncan Hall in 2006, followed by the 248-bed Ryan Hall in 2009. Understanding the need to deliver the classic and unique Notre Dame experience while still providing features to appeal to modern students, MMA developed creative solutions to incorporate strong campus traditions—including religious worship space—into each building, including the new women’s residence hall.
Passion + Perspective
MMA Design critiques took place throughout the design phases to review proportions and details.
Massing site studies illustrate proposed relationships between building form and green space.
Example of ND’s signature brick and residence window detail.
The ND campus was always an inspiration to the design team as it changed throughout the seasons.
Early interior schematics of light, space and detail.
We are extremely grateful for this residence hall, a place for building community and contributing to the education of our students’ minds and hearts.
- Rev. John Jenkins President, University of Notre Dame (source: South Bend Tribune)
