Case’s new residential village takes architecture to the
next level
Village at 115 combines traditional, futuristic
elements
May 23, 2005 | For more information: Jeff
Bendix 216-368-6070
 Case Western Reserve University’s new residential village is
an architectural wonder.
The Village at 115, which will open this fall, is noteworthy architecturally
for the way it combines traditional collegiate
elements with 21st-century features.
Geoff Wooding, the lead architect on the project, points out that the
buildings have cast stone elements on the exterior, which evoke the
collegiate gothic style while at the same time shielding the interiors
from sun glare, thereby reducing demand for air conditioning. The buildings
make extensive use of natural lighting in order to reduce the use of
daytime electrical lighting.
“We want to recall some of the wonderful collegiate gothic buildings
on the campus and at other universities, but at the same time create
a feel that is of this time and place and is as advanced and efficient
in its function as it can be,” says Wooding.
Conservation is an integral part of the Village at 115, both in its construction
and its operation. For example, approximately 80
percent of the waste material from the construction
site is recycled, and many of the materials have
been procured locally.
The finished project will be among the most environmentally-conscious
of its kind in the country. Among its most notable features will be
a unique system for collecting runoff water and piping it directly into
the ground, rather than the city’s wastewater collection system.
Hot and chilled water are generated at two locations in the buildings
and distributed to each house so as to maximize the use of free cooling
during the “shoulder” spring and fall season.
In addition, each house will have informational kiosks where students
can see statistics on water, gas and electricity consumption, calculate
energy consumption on a per-house or per-student basis, and compare
consumption among the houses and with older buildings on campus.
The Village at 115 consists of
seven inter-connected houses built around the university’s renovated
football field, along with a 1,200-car garage. When it opens in early
August it will house approximately 740 students – primarily juniors
and seniors – in 172 air-conditioned suites ranging in size from
studios to nine bedrooms, most with living rooms and full kitchens.
It was designed by the architectural firm Goody Clancy at a cost of
$126.4 million
In addition to the individual suite amenities, each house will have
a number of features designed to foster interaction
and facilitate group learning. Among these are a house lounge with a
fireplace, group study rooms, and music practice rooms. The complex
also features a striking clock tower as well as a library, a Starbucks,
fitness center, and convenience store. The entire
complex has wireless Internet access.
There is more information available about this unique project, as
well as images of it, available on the web here:
http://studentaffairs.case.edu/living/construction/default.html and here: http://studentaffairs.case.edu/living/construction/phase1/.
About Case Western Reserve University
Case is among the nation's leading research institutions. Founded in 1826
and shaped by the unique merger of the Case Institute of Technology and Western
Reserve University, Case is distinguished by its strengths in education, research,
service, and experiential learning. Located in Cleveland, Case offers nationally
recognized programs in the Arts and Sciences, Dental Medicine, Engineering,
Law, Management, Medicine, Nursing, and Social Work. http://www.case.edu.
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