The University of Texas at El Paso - Miner Village

El Paso, Texas

After completing an in-depth business analysis and building program for new apartment housing at the University of Texas at El Paso, BOKA Powell was selected to deliver the project as a part of a Design-Build team. The building program, developed in collaboration with UTEP students, faculty and staff provided a “workbook” with guidelines for crafting an intimate, habitable housing development that reflects and responds to the campus’ unique architectural style.

The ancient design concepts of Bhutanese architecture represented throughout the University of Texas at El Paso campus inspired the BOKA Powell design team in creating a housing complex that fosters a sense of community, security and identity. The “fortress-like” housing blocks are sited in a way that minimizes disturbance to the terrain, while creating a series of focused courtyards and quiet space for student residents. Adherence to modern accessibility standards was placed parallel to the need to reflect the imposing, monumental scale of the historic model. Ramping and stairways are carefully integrated as recessive features of the building massing.