Bruff Quad Residential Village

The Residential Village ushers in a new era of university living on Tulane's campus, elevating the educational journey amidst the vibrant architecture and communal spirit of New Orleans.

Set against the historic backdrop of its uptown campus, Tulane University is realizing a vibrant new vision for the undergraduate experience with its most ambitious capital project to date: The Village. Spanning five buildings across two phases, this expansion increases residential capacity by 150% and aims to cultivate a thriving academic and social community. Phase II introduces Fogelman and Bayou Halls, building on the success of Phase I to complete a living-learning community that seamlessly integrates into the historic and cultural fabric of New Orleans.

The design strategy addresses challenges of urban density. By breaking the building mass into smaller blocks and orienting them thoughtfully, the cascading blocks create an intimately scaled resident hall experience while preserving the lively New Orleans streetscape. This approach promotes active, welcoming spaces at ground level and ensures the new structures are seamlessly integrated into Tulane's beloved Berger Family Lawn, enhancing community connectivity without expanding land use.

Fogelman Hall, the inaugural building of Phase II, is home to over 300 residents in an environment that promotes learning and mentorship. A Tulane professor in residence is embedded within the community, providing an accessible presence that enriches the residential experience. The ground floor features a network of spaces for study, socialization, and recreation, complementing the community hub established in Phase I. These shared environments bridge academic and residential life, expanding opportunities for collaboration beyond the classroom. Double-height lounges and varied communal spaces create opportunities for spontaneous interaction. Designed for flexibility, these areas support both focused study and informal gathering, adapting to the shifting rhythms of student life.

Bruff Quad Phase I courtesy of ©Timothy Hursley

Weatherhead Hall courtesy of ©Robert Benson Photography

Positioned among 25 historic live oaks, the new structures of Phase II are carefully designed to respect the natural canopy, enhancing the interaction between indoor spaces and the lush outdoor environment. The architectural forms are rotated and stepped to synchronize with existing Phase 1 and minimize disruption to the trees. This sensitive integration includes strategically placed community lounges and varied massing to encourage social interactions and create a cohesive dialogue within the first & second-year community.

The use of locally sourced St. Joe’s Brick links the new buildings to Tulane’s architectural heritage while incorporating advanced construction techniques to enhance durability and thermal performance. This choice of materials maintains continuity within the campus aesthetic while contributing to the project's comprehensive environmental strategy, blending tradition with contemporary practices in a distinctly Tulanian manner.