Picture, for a moment, a college dormitory. Likely it’s cold, austere, dimly lit, and outfitted with only the basics: a desk, a wardrobe, a bunk bed. Down the hallway is a shared bathroom facility, perhaps a small lounge area or a rarely used study room. For decades, this was the standard of American student housing: defined by efficiency, offering only the bare essentials, and built for durability rather than delight. Outdoor space was an afterthought—if it existed at all.
Only recently has the paradigm begun to shift. Today, student housing is no longer judged solely by function, but by feeling—the critical role it plays in students' mental health, community, and academic success. OJB is helping institutions nationwide respond to these trends, transforming underutilized courtyards, rooftops, and open spaces into living systems that restore balance, foster belonging, and define the student experience.
The Research
Students spend 93% of their time indoors—studying, commuting, or socializing. Yet when given the choice, they consistently gravitate toward green, open, and sensory-rich environments,and avoid sterile, concrete-heavy areas with little shade or seating.
The Response
The most successful outdoor spaces balance quiet areas for rest and reflection with open, engaging zones that invite exploration and activity. When paired with intentional amenities,these spaces encourage students to linger, socialize, and learn together—outside of their dorm rooms. Here's how OJB's work on student housing is responding to this shift:
The ROI
In an era where housing costs continue to climb and rooms are becoming even smaller, outdoor spaces are emerging as a low-cost, high-impact strategy for student wellbeing and institutional success. Investment in landscape provides:
