The MBI architectural team was selected to design a multi-level dormitory to house 600 freshmen students. UT Chattanooga’s increasing enrollment and continued growth created a need for additional student housing and parking on campus. The challenge was finding a large enough site to accommodate the needed facilities. The solution was a U-shaped 5 and 7 story structure with an open-ended courtyard adjacent the entrance lobby. The first level includes the primary entrance surrounded by food service, a small bookstore annex, and the courtyard. In addition, the resident managers, laundry, culinary program, coffee shop and meeting rooms are at this level. The central elevators (4) located adjacent the main lobby and reception desk provide secure access to each level of housing. Once you arrive at each floor the elevator lobby opens into a large collaborative space with comfortable and flexible lounge seating along with study carrels and glass enclosed private meeting spaces. As you circulate down the hallways to access dormitory style suites the student lounges become part of the circulation path introducing exterior daylight and student interaction along the way. There are two distinct types of suites to accommodate 4 students each. Each suite has 2 – 2 person bedrooms and toilet/showers surrounding a central common area for lounging, study and conversation. The attached two-level underground parking garage contains 646 spaces.