QUBE

In Taiwan, university dormitories are often seen as spaces that simply provide accommodation, with layouts that are standardized and lack flexibility. In response to this issue, the Ministry of Education introduced the New Generation Student Housing Improvement Program, encouraging universities to rethink dormitory environments and transform them into places that support learning, interaction, and creativity. This project was developed from that initiative and aims to redefine the role of student housing within campus life.

Hungkuang University is a university that places strong emphasis on both humanities and professional skill development. Its academic programs are closely connected to everyday social needs and practical training, creating a campus culture that values hands-on learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. Various student-operated and industry-related spaces can be found across campus, such as “Hong Tea House,” “Hong Workshop,” and the training restaurant “Hong Sakura Hall.” In recent years, the university has also expanded into the multimedia field with the addition of an esports arena and professional training facilities. These spaces reflect the university’s goal of nurturing students who not only develop expertise in their own field, but also understand how to collaborate with others across different industries.

Due to the limited size of campus, the project began with the idea of creating an additional open space for the university community. Rather than treating the dormitory as a purely residential building, the design extends campus life into the dormitory environment, transforming it into a shared and multifunctional place. While maintaining the essential functions of student living, the project integrates the identity of the university and introduces flexible spatial strategies that encourage different types of activities to happen within the same space.

The design blurs the boundary between interior and exterior, creating an openness similar to that of a public plaza. Lighting elements extend continuously from indoors to outdoors, while furniture and installations naturally guide students to occupy exterior areas as part of daily campus life. Spaces are organized to support a wide range of activities, from large open gathering areas to smaller and more private corners, allowing students to choose between social interaction and personal retreat depending on their needs.

The building also organized vertically according to levels of public and private use. Located near the campus entrance, the ground floor functions as a shared campus living hall. It includes spaces such as the Puzzle Plaza for presentations, dining, discussion, and social activities; the Food Lab with vending machines, bar seating, and cooking counters; esports rooms and reservable discussion spaces; a printing station with shared computers; recreation areas including a fitness room and wood-floor studio; and a service counter that combines dormitory administration with student support services. Outdoor terraces, stepped seating, courtyard corridors, and green walkways further connect the building with the surrounding campus environment.

From the second to the sixth floor, each residential level includes shared living spaces and inter-floor lounges designed to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere that feels more like home. These spaces include living rooms, dining areas, kitchens, and digital writing boards, encouraging students to continue learning, communicating, and spending time together beyond the classroom. Through these shared experiences, students are able to build stronger connections and memories throughout their university life.

Although the spaces are relaxed and open, each area has been carefully planned to support different forms of activity and interaction. By layering everyday living with learning and communication, the project reflects the idea that learning does not only happen in classrooms but can also emerge naturally through daily life. At the same time, it maximizes the use of limited campus space, allowing the dormitory to function both as a comfortable residential environment and as an active shared space for the entire university community.