Providing 926 beds of student housing and navigating a 40-ft. elevation drop, Mercer Court Student Apartments is a truly unique development that inspires community at every scale. Resembling an open hand with fingers outstretch toward Lake Union, the five distinct buildings serve as prime connectors between a major regional bike trail, the waterfront, and the greater University of Washington campus. These separate buildings provide great views and optimum daylight from the buildings and surrounding courtyards.

The concept of a kaleidoscope serves as inspiration for the interior design, taking cues from the playful shapes prominent on the architectural skin of the buildings, the open spatial relations, and the myriad windows that provide colorful views of Seattle. Individual elements create a larger, more complex scene of shapes and colors. Neon oranges, lime greens, and deep purples constitute the furniture and carpet accents against the concrete floors and pillars within the common spaces. Residential units utilize similar concepts and range from studios to six-bedroom units.

The project was designed in collaboration with Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, based in London and Bath, England.