Designing art packages for student housing presents both challenges and opportunities. We understand that staying competitive in today's market means attracting students by providing them with housing they can identify with. It is fundamental to understand that these spaces must not only be visually appealing but also comfortable and inviting with communal spaces, giving students the reassuring feeling of being close to home. To achieve this, the implementation of art is essential to consider a series of elements that help shape the design of a successful art package.

Here's a detailed guide to highlight the top 3 art package design trends you should consider when specifying art packages for Student Housing:

Harnessing the essence of the local environment

Location, location, location, is a crucial factor influencing the art package design for student housing. Each College or University Campus has its unique environment, ranging from the bustling atmosphere of a cosmopolitan city, to the tranquility of a rural campus. Capturing the essence of the local environment in the art package design is important. By incorporating relevant elements that reflect the culture, history, and identity of the location, from murals inspired by local architecture to artwork celebrating the cultural diversity of the community, location should be the starting point for creating a meaningful art package for a Student Housing project.

Highlighting the history, mission, and values 

Every university has a rich history, unique values, and mission, often reflected in the student culture and campus atmosphere. From emblematic figures and historical events to symbols and entrenched traditions, the university's history offers a vast repertoire of elements that can be incorporated into a Student Housing renovation or new build. Understanding these values and missions when designing the art package for Student Housing projects is crucial. 

The art should align with the institution's core principles, conveying messages of inclusion, diversity, innovation, or any other central value important to the student community. Whether through portraits of historical figures, murals representing significant milestones, or installations celebrating the university's evolution, the art should tell the unique story of the institution and its impact on the community. By seeking inspiration from these philosophies, implementing them into artwork that honors the school's legacy but resonates with students and reinforces a sense of belonging and institutional pride. However, this does not mean it should have an overload of institutional elements - just sprinkled throughout the art package.

Enhancing the Feeling of Home

Transforming communal Student Housing spaces into memorable environments can be achieved by implementing diverse art installations across various amenity spaces. By strategically placing artworks in key areas, such as entranceways, gathering spots, or social hubs, users can experience impactful moments and engage with the art on a deeper level.

Additionally, using colors and textures to seamlessly transition between different spaces within the communal area can enhance the overall flow and atmosphere. It creates a sense of cohesion and encourages users to explore and engage with the space more fully.

For communal spaces aimed at providing comfort and connection, it's essential to foster a reassuring atmosphere for the users. Art package design can be instrumental in achieving this goal. By utilizing art as a means to evoke a sense of belonging and comfort, communal spaces can create a homely environment where users feel relaxed and at ease.

Consider incorporating artwork that draws inspiration from nature, uses warm and inviting colors, or represents diverse cultures and experiences. This will help create an environment that feels like a home away from home.

Lounge area, The Osceola Apartments, Tallahassee, FL. (Interiors by HPA Design Group)

In closing - art packages for Student Housing projects should be highly relevant to the students and campus. As a vertical art company with a team of art curators, consultants, and designers, we apply these pillars in our creative process to deliver intentional Student Housing Art Packages infused with inspiring visual stories. By understanding and honoring the essence of the local environment, the values, and the history of the university, we create art packages that are visually impactful but also meaningful and relevant to the students.

To learn more about our Student Housing art consulting services or inquire how we can support your projects, contact us at juliana@artfirm.com. To follow us on social media and to stay up to date on our current work, follow us @artfirmco