# Monolithic Student Dorms This Student Dorm Building Design Has a Gaping Void in its Center By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-03-17 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/student-dorm References: [arch2o](http://www.arch2o.com/living-in-the-void-pucpr-student-dormitory-p-a-t-t-e-r-n-s/) & [p-a-t-t-e-r-n-s.net](http://www.p-a-t-t-e-r-n-s.net/pucpr-student-dormitory/) Los Angeles architectural firm P-A-T-T-E-R-N-S has proposed a design for a [student dorm building](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volante) that looks like a pair of futuristic, post-apocalyptic monoliths fighting each other. The dorm, which would be located at the Pontificia Catholic University in Puerto Rico, is intended to boost the image of the university campus and the city it's located in, Ponce. The pair of buildings is separated by a crude, jagged void that looks like it emerged from some sort of violent impact. However, the resulting space is intended to function as the building's [social and cultural programming hub](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barrington1503). The void will contain vistas offering spectacular views of the city's historic center. Design renderings suggest that the vistas' panels will be crafted out of concrete or [cast-stone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centre-de-congrs). They will also be fitted with windows whose thickness reduces further away from the epicenter of the 'void.' ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.8/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 5% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Futuristic Dormitories:** Architectural firms can explore futuristic and post-apocalyptic designs for student housing. - **Social Programming Hubs:** There is the opportunity to create more vibrant and social dormitory structures to drive a sense of social belonging for students living on-campus. - **Designing for Campus Image Improvement:** Designers can improve the image of university campuses through unique and visually appealing architecture. ### Where This Applies - **Higher Education:** Higher education institutions can explore unique design options to build dormitories that boost campus culture and student satisfaction. - **Architecture:** Architects can always come up with innovative ways of designing beautiful structures for people to live, work or study in. - **Real Estate:** Real estate developers can take inspiration from the design of innovative new student housing projects to create structures that meet the needs of their target markets. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vaulted Pink Complexes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/babel-housing-mexico.md) - [Modern Blue-Accented Academic Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marie-esther-pavilion.md) - [Monolithic Custom Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-catedral.md) - [Traditional Sustainable School Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/universidad-ean-1.md) - [Campus Art Studios](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atelier-ppw.md) - [Staggered Cubic Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ooda.md) - [Brutalist Converted Learning Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/archipelago.md) - [Large Passive House Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harmony-commons.md) - [Monumental Concrete Hotel Suites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folly-mojave-series.md)