flexiblefullpage -
billboard - default
interstitial1 - interstitial
catfish1 - bottom
Currently Reading

The University of Oklahoma receives its first residential colleges

University Buildings

The University of Oklahoma receives its first residential colleges

The residential communities were designed by KWK Architects and combine living and learning amenities.


By David Malone, Associate Editor | October 13, 2017
The exterior of Dunham College
The exterior of Dunham College

KWK Architects and ADG Architects recently completed work on Headington and Dunham residential colleges at the University of Oklahoma. The $75 million residential colleges are the first on the Norman, Okla., campus.

Headington and Dunham are designed as living/learning spaces to provide students with a sense of community and identity within the larger university. Before construction began, students were surveyed to determine optimal rental prices, unit sizes, room configurations, and desired amenities.

Each building features a faculty master apartment and office, dormitories, private parking, seminar/conference rooms, lounges, study areas, libraries, and dining rooms.

“The residential floors must offer a wide variety of room types that are enticing for freshman as well as upperclassmen to increase retention and engagement with the residential college," says Paul Wuennenberg, AIA, LEED APA, Principal, KWK Architects, in a release.

The buildings are connected by a communal dining area and storm shelter. Each residential college has its own motto, colors, crest, and athletic teams. The Cherokee Gothic style, featured on several other buildings across the campus, influenced the architectural design.

The university's most recent semester opened with 600 upperclassmen, 300 in each building. A dedication ceremony was held on Oct. 11.

Related Stories

Resiliency | Apr 22, 2024

Controversy erupts in Florida over how homes are being rebuilt after Hurricane Ian

The Federal Emergency Management Agency recently sent a letter to officials in Lee County, Florida alleging that hundreds of homes were rebuilt in violation of the agency’s rules following Hurricane Ian. The letter provoked a sharp backlash as homeowners struggle to rebuild following the devastating 2022 storm that destroyed a large swath of the county.

Student Housing | Apr 19, 2024

Cal State Long Beach student housing project will add 424 beds

A new $115 million project recently broke ground at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) that will add housing for 424 students at below-market rates. The 108,000 sf La Playa Residence Hall, funded by the State of California’s Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program, will consist of three five-story structures connected by bridges.

Sponsored | Multifamily Housing | Apr 19, 2024

5 Reasons to Opt for Wood I-Joists in Multifamily Construction

From versatility to reliability and adaptability, engineered wood I-joists offer builders, designers and developers numerous advantages in multifamily construction. Discover the top five benefits and handy installation tips.

MFPRO+ News | Apr 18, 2024

Marquette Companies forms alliance with Orion Residential Advisors

Marquette Companies, a national leader in multifamily development, investment, and management, announces its strategic alliance with Deerfield, Ill.-based Orion Residential Advisors, an integrated multifamily investment and operating firm active in multiple markets nationwide.

MFPRO+ New Projects | Apr 16, 2024

Marvel-designed Gowanus Green will offer 955 affordable rental units in Brooklyn

The community consists of approximately 955 units of 100% affordable housing, 28,000 sf of neighborhood service retail and community space, a site for a new public school, and a new 1.5-acre public park.

MFPRO+ News | Apr 15, 2024

Two multifamily management firms merge together

MEB Management Services, a Phoenix-based multifamily management company, and Weller Management, a third-party property management and consulting company, officially merged to become Bryten Real Estate Partners—creating a nationally recognized management company.

Mixed-Use | Apr 13, 2024

Former industrial marina gets adaptive reuse treatment

At its core, adaptive reuse is an active reimagining of the built environment in ways that serve the communities who use it. Successful adaptive reuse uncovers the latent potential in a place and uses it to meet people’s present needs.

MFPRO+ News | Apr 12, 2024

Legal cannabis has cities grappling with odor complaints

Relaxed pot laws have led to a backlash of complaints linked to the odor emitted from smoking and vaping. To date, 24 states have legalized or decriminalized marijuana and several others have made it available for medicinal use.

Multifamily Housing | Apr 12, 2024

Habitat starts leasing Cassidy on Canal, a new luxury rental high-rise in Chicago

New 33-story Class A rental tower, designed by SCB, will offer 343 rental units. 

MFPRO+ News | Apr 10, 2024

5 key design trends shaping tomorrow’s rental apartments

The multifamily landscape is ever-evolving as changing demographics, health concerns, and work patterns shape what tenants are looking for in their next home.

boombox1 - default
boombox2 -
native1 -

More In Category


Student Housing

Cal State Long Beach student housing project will add 424 beds

A new $115 million project recently broke ground at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) that will add housing for 424 students at below-market rates. The 108,000 sf La Playa Residence Hall, funded by the State of California’s Higher Education Student Housing Grant Program, will consist of three five-story structures connected by bridges.



halfpage1 -

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021