Dillard University Innovation Collective
Dillard University’s Innovation Collective, new student housing, opened in August 2025 and establishes an inclusive, interconnected living and learning community. A collaborative design-build project between Trapolin-Peer Architects, Landis Construction, and CDW Services, the four-story, 251-bed residence hall is centered around a “Communiversity” model—a dynamic approach that unites living, learning, and service within a single environment. Designed to foster collaboration and engagement, the facility integrates residential, academic, and social spaces into one vibrant hub that serves both students and the surrounding Gentilly community.
The first floor serves as the heart of the building, anchored by a welcoming lobby and reception area that opens to a spacious main student lounge. Down the hall, a communal kitchen and dining area and a recreation room encourage camaraderie, connection, and relaxation. In addition, a multi-purpose room with a pre-function area supports university and community events, while private and shared offices accommodate faculty and staff. Additionally, the second floor features a large conference room with an open balcony overlooking the main lounge below, as well as meeting rooms and open study and gathering areas. On each floor, students also have access to central lounges, study alcoves, private study rooms, wellness spaces, and phone booths, designed to support both focused study and social interaction.
Rooted in the values of equity, access, and excellence, the project embraces a holistic strategy that integrates with the surrounding neighborhood while ensuring universal accessibility for all students. As a result, the design creates a modern space that celebrates Dillard’s proud legacy as Louisiana’s oldest HBCU and strengthens its mission to uplift, connect, and empower the next generation of learners.
LOCATION
New Orleans, LA
SIZE
83,722 SQ FT
YEAR OF COMPLETION
2025
DESIGN+BUILD TEAM
Landis Construction
CDW Services
INTERIOR DESIGN
PHOTOGRAPHER
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Knoll Antenna, Knoll Anchor. Knoll Dividends Horizon Tables, Knoll MutliGeneration Counter Stool, Knoll MultiGeneration 5-Star Base, Knoll k. lounge, Knoll Rockwell Unscripted Credenza, Knoll Rockwell Unscripted Sawhorse Table, Knoll Rockwell Unscripted Sofa, Knoll Rockwell Unscripted Club Chair, Knoll Scribe Mobile Markerboard, Knoll Toboggan Table, Muuto Fiber Side Chair with Sled Base, Muuto Fiber Counter Stool, Muuto Linear Steel Armchair, Muuto Steel Cafe Table, Muuto Tip Table Lamp, NaughtOne Ali Coffee Table, NaughtOne Always Chair, NaughtOne Always Lounge Chair, NaughtOne Hatch Three-Seat Sofa, NaughtOne Hush Chair, NaughtOne Knot Table, NaughtOne Polly Chair, NaughtOne Polly Wood Chair, NaughtOne Polly Counter Height Chair, NaughtOne Ruby Barstool, NaughtOne Ruby Chair, NaughtOne Sideboard, NaughtOne Tier Cafe Table, Global Furniture Group, KI, OFS