University of Southern California

The USC Parkside International Residence College provides students from abroad with an environment that eases their transition to cultural, social and academic life in the United States. Positioned at a major pedestrian way, Phase 1 is a four story building that surrounds an outdoor urban piazza, creating a new focus for campus activity. The 136,000 sf complex provides living accommodations for 400 students, faculty and residential advisors, teaching and collaborative study areas as well as lounge and dining for 550. Incorporating the materials palette and detailing of surrounding buildings, the residence has become a seamless addition echoing the Tuscan character of the environment.

Phase II, a four-story, 133,000 sf building is located directly east of the Parkside Phase I Building. Together the buildings create a “residential colleges” precinct linked by walkways and shared open spaces. The facility provides suite-style housing for 447 students, in eight-student double-occupancy suites, each containing two bathrooms and a small social/study space. Dining is provided by an expanded residential dining facility located in the adjacent phase 1 building. Social and learning spaces, as well as the residence facility, all contribute to creating a living-learning community.