The House Center Pilots, part of Dartmouth’s new House System adopted in 2015, seek to  create typologies that could unlock alternative patterns of student engagement. Sasaki engaged faculty, students, and staff to identify and address gaps in the social experience on campus. The Onion and the Cube offer alternative modes of student engagement as low-cost spatial and programming prototypes toward future, larger-scale implementation.

Both Pilots are universally accessible—not a given on a campus dating back to the 1700s. They stand in explicit contrast to traditional campus buildings, welcoming diverse students who may not feel at home in conventional spaces. The Onion is eminently ephemeral. Inside, the plywood islands provide shelter within the high volume and can be removed or reused in the future. The Cube is inspired by modular structures; its interior partitioning is kept to a minimum so spaces can be constantly reconfigured and reappropriated. 

Congratulations to the Sasaki team and to all the other winning projects! We are honored to have been recognized amongst all the incredible entries. To see the full list of this year’s winners watch the announcement video below produced by AIA New Hampshire.