Addressing the Growing Demand for Student Housing
On February 12, 2025, David McCullough had the privilege of moderating a panel at Bisnow’s inaugural San Diego Student Housing Summit, hosted at the University of San Diego. The event gathered nearly 400 professionals to discuss the pressing challenges in planning, developing, constructing, and designing higher education facilities and student housing.
David led the panel titled “Accommodating the Growing Student Body Throughout San Diego,” focusing on supply and demand dynamics, strategies to increase housing units, and ensuring adequate space for all students in the region. Esteemed panelists included Bob Schulz, University Architect & Associate VP of Real Estate at SDSU; Abbie Hawkins, VP of Development at The Michaels Organization; Rudy Medina, Founder & Development Director at Next Space Development; Richard King, Principal at Gensler; and David Senden, Principal at KTGY.
Key Takeaways for the Future of Student Housing
Evolving Student Needs Post-Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped student expectations, with heightened emphasis on amenities that support success. Institutions are now prioritizing features that foster community and well-being.
Innovative Use of Space
Designers are transforming unconventional areas, such as laundry rooms, into communal spaces to enhance student interaction. Additionally, the integration of indoor and outdoor environments, including rooftop terraces, is becoming a staple in modern student housing.
Mental Health and Wellness Integration
There's a growing focus on embedding mental health support within residential programs. Initiatives like wellness activities, cooking classes, and community gardening are being introduced to create supportive living environments.
Adoption of Prefabricated Construction
To address housing shortages efficiently, the industry is turning to prefabricated building methods. This approach accelerates construction timelines while maintaining quality, enabling faster delivery of much-needed housing units.
Collaborative Regional Planning
Addressing the student housing crisis requires a holistic view of regional housing challenges. Collaboration among higher education institutions, developers, and local governments is essential to develop sustainable solutions that benefit both students and the broader community.
Shaping the Future of Student Housing in San Diego
This summit underscored the critical role of thoughtful design and strategic planning in creating sustainable, affordable, and accessible student housing. McCullough remains committed to contributing to these conversations and implementing creative solutions that enhance the quality of life for students and the broader San Diego community.
For more details about the entire event, check out the article by Torrey Sims, published in School Construction News.