Campus1 MTL is a new student residence serving the university and college communities of Montreal. Our transformation of this 19-storey hotel into a student residence created more significant opportunities for students to interact with each other, fostering a closer sense of community.

Our design strategy reconfigured the existing hotel amenity spaces into more social and inviting environments for residents. The existing restaurant at the front of the building is now a lounge, enlivening the surrounding streets. The new dining hall at the rear of the building anchors social interaction by pulling students from the entrance, lounges, and tower elevators. Two main circulation routes were created to tie all the ground floor program elements together in a clean and clear manner.

Our design strategy integrates programmed and unprogrammed space, allowing students to make this residence their own. Study space and a range of recreational facilities set the stage for work and play. A range of furniture was selected to provide a choice between collaboration and more focused individual study time in an open environment. The design also supports the development of one’s sense of social self for a cohort typically living away from home for the first time.