Designing to Accommodate the Growing Cyclical Student Population

This thesis demonstrates the practicality and feasibility of introducing mass student accommodation and supports students whilst avoiding the destruction of local community. It has been important to demonstrate the need to review student accommodation as what is accepted currently does not fulfil student needs. The early process of this scheme was to speak to student, past, present, and future, to understand their position. This research formed the basis for the thesis and is referenced along the narrative process.

The balance between work and living is something that has always been questioned. However, since the pandemic it is clear it’s a larger issue. The separation between working and living is one that is supported by universities; however, this is not reflected in current accommodation. This thesis creates a clear separation with the introduction of the anchorage, in addition to a material change across programme.

The use of the Riverlands around the Taff allows the thesis to show how these unused sites, currently disconnected from the urban fabric, can be given purpose, and linked back into the city. By supporting the Taff Trail and reinforcing its connection the scheme improves the local existing programme as well as adding the accommodation. The scheme aims not to disrupt but integrate into existing communities.

With the entire student population housed within this accommodation, supported by the river and the Taff Trail, it will allow local communities to reclaim the areas lost the student housing and the housing market to reduce in rent costs. With a more permanent population in those areas, communities will grow and take ownership.