The xučyun ruwway (HOOCH-yoon ROO-wai) Graduate Student Apartments in U.C. Berkeley’s University Village house 761 students in apartment-style units. To optimize density and capacity, which ultimately leads to affordability, the design team emphasized programming and massing studies from the beginning. There was careful consideration given to context, appropriateness of scale, orientation, and sustainability. The fully-furnished apartments are designed to optimize views, daylight, and natural ventilation with open air corridors and exterior stairways. The ‘front door’ opens on a new multi-modal  transit plaza with bus pull-in, shaded seating, bike storage for residents and visitors, and dedicated facilities for AC Transit.

The housing wings are organized around three courtyards, each with unique opportunities for passive relaxation, socializing, and active programming to facilitate a sense of community. The design for the courtyards includes areas for barbeque gatherings, outdoor movie nights, and fitness-wellness activities. Students will also have access to various social and well-being spaces scattered through the building, including lounges, study areas, and meeting rooms. Ayers Saint Gross worked with American Campus Communities, Kevin Daly Architects, and CMG Landscape Architects on this project. xučyun ruwway is a name in Chochenyo, which is the language of the Ohlone people. This is the first time Berkeley has given a name in any Indigenous language to a campus building.