TSU Student Housing

Role: project management, research, brand identity, logo design, symbols, facade, construction wraps, advertisement, copywriting

Team: Madison Phillips, Ryan Walker, Andres Rodriguez 

In collaboration with industry leading architects from Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC), we were assigned the task of conceptualizing a visual design system for a student housing development at a historically black college and university, such as Tennessee State University in the city of Nashville.

Objective + Research

Our objective for this project was centered on advancing the student housing experience by tailoring a cohesive design system for Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students at Tennessee State University. We investigated the use of physical materials, large-scale applications, and engaged in an in-depth exploration of the site’s rich history to cultivate a transformative and culturally resonant living environment.

aerial view of the site for the student housing

Aerial view of the site showcasing Building A and B. Building A is 5 stories high while Building B is 6 stories high and houses the amenities.

Photos taken from the teams visit to Nashville. Explores Tennessee State Universities branding and culture, as well as the nearby environment surrounding the campus and new housing development.

Photos taken from the teams visit to Nashville. Explores Tennessee State Universities branding and culture, as well as the nearby environment surrounding the campus and new housing development.

Mind map excercise for brainstorming possible names for the student housing

Early exploration of brainstorming possible names by conducting a mind map.

  • individuals walking past construction wrap
  • individuals walking past construction wrap
  • individuals walking past construction wrap
  • angled perspective of construction wrap design
  • angled perspective of construction wrap design
Aerial view of the student housing, a red arrow points at the west entrance for building A.
Building A, The Riff facade
Aerial view of the student housing, a red arrow points at the east entrance for building B.
Building B, The Reverb facade
High fidelity rendering of the Riff facade
Mockup of the Riff outdoor signage with a white backlight
Mockup of the Reverb outdoor signage with a white backlight
Wayfinding signage using Bayard typeface and quilt inspired color palette for a striking and vibrant focal point that aids navigation in the student housing
Stair design mockup for building B, using a more cool color palette in combination with various patterns and symbols
Stair design mockup for building A, using a warm color palette in combination with various patterns and symbols
Various posters for Riff, Reverb and R&R brand promoting the new student housing development

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