Picture a university campus where student housing is not just a place to sleep, but an integral part of the campus experience. Imagine students stepping out of their rooms and immediately finding themselves surrounded by the energy and vibrancy of campus life —just a short walk or bike ride away from class, campus cafés, study lounges and even green spaces for relaxing or meeting friends.
Today, on-campus student housing is not just about providing a bed; it is about creating a living environment that supports students’ academic success, mental health and social connections. Developers and designers are increasingly focused on blending aesthetics with purpose, crafting spaces that nurture social interaction, promote wellness, ensure safety and foster a deeper connection between students and nature.
The landscape design approach to student housing projects is grounded in the principles of functionality, sustainability, inclusivity and community building. In this framework, the landscape functions as an extension of both the living room and the campus, offering spaces for relaxation, social interaction, study and recreation, while also fostering a sense of belonging and well-being.
Bringing it all together, from the ground up
A key aspect of landscape design is proximity and connectivity. Thoughtfully placed pathways, gathering areas and green spaces connect student housing to nearby academic buildings, dining facilities and recreational spots, encouraging seamless movement to create a cohesive and walkable campus environment. Bike-friendly paths and lanes that connect directly from student housing to key campus destinations reduce traffic congestion, promote health and wellness, and foster a more sustainable campus culture. Repurposing existing parking spaces as shared vehicular parking spaces mitigates urban heat loads. Designated parking zones for accessibility and ride-shares minimize vehicular activity within the campus ensuring that the site remains walkable and bicycle-friendly, while still accommodating necessary vehicular access for those with mobility needs.
Any landscape design project begins with the site’s topography. First and foremost, topography is crucial for stormwater management and sustainability. Designing landscapes that integrate natural slopes and water flow patterns helps reduce flooding risks and ensures effective drainage. The use of swales, rain gardens or permeable paving can direct water in ways that are both environmentally responsible and aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, topography can serve as a natural guide to the location and development of campus amenities. For example, natural slopes or contours can be used to design tiered gardens, terraces or amphitheater-style seating areas, creating visual interest.
Creating spaces for every student through user-centric design
User-centric design in the context of student housing focuses on creating environments that prioritize the needs, comfort and experiences of the students who will live in them. This approach goes beyond simply meeting functional requirements; it also involves understanding the demographics, behavioral patterns and lifestyles of students.
One example is the growing demand for student housing that caters to students with families including young children. For developments geared toward families, student housing must provide not only comfort and privacy but also a sense of community and support. The design should consider family-friendly amenities such as playgrounds, safe outdoor spaces and easy access to childcare services. Similarly, service animals often become more than just companions. Designing with service animals in mind means creating outdoor spaces where they can find relief areas, exercise and play.
Placemaking through learning
With the rise of hybrid learning and remote work, outdoor study spaces with Wi-Fi access and power outlets are becoming more common. Providing casual outdoor lounges — places to decompress between classes, spots for meeting up with friends in the evening or communal congregating spaces — is a way that the landscape can provide students with a space to work or study in fresh air, combining productivity with the benefits of nature.
Students can spend four or more years living in these spaces and the landscape plays a pivotal role in creating a long-lasting learning experience. By integrating native plants, landscape spaces serve as dynamic outdoor classrooms offering students the opportunity to engage directly with local flora while fostering a sense of environmental stewardship and a sense of belonging. Learning landscapes provide a unique experience that is practical, educational and beautiful.
Universities are consciously embracing values that shape the culture and identity of each educational environment. From promoting equity to universal design, institutions are taking a closer look at how new landscapes can communicate these values to their students. Integrating public art, cultural installations and spaces for performances is another trend that reflects the desire to make student housing more socially vibrant and inclusive. These areas might include outdoor theaters, gallery spaces or amphitheaters where students can gather for events or activities.
Building safety on campus through landscape design
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a strategic approach McCullough is implementing at the San Diego State University (SDSU) Imperial Valley Campus, Calexico to create safer, more inviting campus spaces. By incorporating principles such as natural surveillance, territorial reinforcement and access control, landscape design promotes security and discourages crime. Open, well-lit areas with clear sightlines ensure safety and engagement, while strategically placed seating and pathways in high-traffic zones encourage positive interactions. Physical boundaries — like low walls or plantings — define spaces and foster a sense of ownership, while thoughtful circulation and entry planning guide foot traffic along well-monitored, visible routes.
Prioritizing wellness in campus outdoor environments
The connection between physical activity and mental health is well-documented. By integrating fitness zones into the landscape, we promote both physical fitness and mental clarity. Students can release stress, boost their endorphins and recharge in the open air — improving their mood and productivity for the day ahead. The tactile experience of walking along decomposed granite paths, resting on wooden benches or engaging with natural gardens fosters a deeper connection to the environment, enhancing both mental and physical well-being.
Through the creative reuse of natural materials, landscapes can become sanctuaries of wellness, offering students spaces for rejuvenation and reflection. It is easy to value-engineer trees for cost reduction, but a single tree can do far more than just provide shade — it can be a powerful factor for environmental and personal well-being. For every mature tree, it is estimated that it can absorb 48 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year, helping to mitigate climate change and improve the air quality on campus. As the seasons change, the presence of trees and green spaces has been shown to reduce stress, enhance mood and improve cognitive function.
This integrated approach to landscape design — blending sustainability, wellness and mental health — helps to create a campus environment that supports the overall well-being of students, encouraging them to thrive academically, physically and emotionally.
Modern student housing design
The exteriors and landscapes of modern student housing developments are moving away from purely functional designs to becoming hubs of sustainability, wellness and community engagement. The emphasis on biophilic design, integrated technology and social spaces reflects the needs and desires of today’s student population, offering both refuge and vibrant spaces for collaboration, study and leisure. These innovations aim to create environments that not only serve the practical needs of students but also contribute to their overall well-being and quality of life.
—Mahalakshmi Balachandran, Senior Associate, McCullough Landscape Architecture