Kinsolving Student Lounges Modernization

The University of Texas at Austin

Kinsolving is a 1958 all-girls dorm with 19 resident lounges spread throughout five floors. We used UT’s signature motto, “What starts here changes the world,” to inspire the design. Each floor represents a destination along the student journey as they explore possibilities and realize their potential.

The first floor represents a home away from home. It provides space for students to build self-confidence in a new environment.

The second floor takes inspiration from the campus and encourages academic growth and an inquisitive nature.

The third floor is the communal heart of the building and illustrates the vibrant culture that the city of Austin offers.

The fourth floor encourages collaboration and exploration. Each of the four lounges on this floor illustrates an iconic Texas destination like Big Bend or the Comal River.

The fifth floor represents endless possibilities for changing the world.