Learning, as we may have realized by now, is not confined within the four walls of the classroom, nor should it stop once a student leaves the school premises. Especially for university students, tons of schoolwork are often taken home.
Hence, having a conducive place for learning at home matters a great deal for the student.
According to Western Governors University in the United States, “even the physical arrangement of furniture and the layout of a room can affect your ability to study.” A cramped and crowded room can feel claustrophobic, which can make a person trying to study feel restricted and stressed out.
Thus, having a dedicated space for studying, or at least a conducive space for learning, contributes to one’s effectiveness.
Premium property developer Torre Lorenzo Development Corp. (TLDC) recognized this need, and thus it developed a special type of housing that is tailor-made for college students preparing for their future.
According to Pia De Guzman-Reyes, architect and design manager at Arlen P. De Guzman Designs & Associates Co., “The key is knowing the needs your client, the location and its surroundings. The atmosphere and experience has to be tailored fit to the end user.”
Arlen P. De Guzman Designs & Associates Co. specializes in designing luxury residences, hotels and resorts, and commercial developments. The company was commissioned by TLDC to do the design of Torre Central, the developer’s student high-rise that is just a stone’s throw from University of Santo Tomas in Espana, Manila.
For De Guzman-Reyes, a student-friendly condominium is one which is in close proximity to schools, especially given the current traffic situation that we have in Metro Manila.
“Next would be its amenities, since the students are mostly the end users. It has to have a more hip theme,” she explained. “Preferably, the building should have everything the students need. Aside from a study hall, they need a place to unwind. A gym, pool, and a basketball court are some of the amenities we would suggest.”
De Guzman-Reyes added that a student should not feel the need to leave the comfort of his or her own space to be able to do some learning or engage in recreational activities.
All of TLDC’s university residences are equipped either with study lounges, sound-proof study rooms or study pods in quiet zones where its residents can continue doing schoolwork in peace. Meeting or discussion rooms are available for those who need to collaborate with fellow students for group projects.
To provide its residents with an equal study-life balance, TLDC also built sky lounges and visitor lounges, aside from putting in recreational facilities such as fitness centers, swimming pools and basketball courts in its projects.
From its first university residence, Torre Lorenzo 1, at the corner of Pablo Ocampo Street and Taft Avenue, TLDC’s ever growing portfolio now includes 2Torre Lorenzo and 3Torre Lorenzo, two more high-rises in the area of De La Salle University and DLS-College of Saint Benilde in Manila; Torre Lorenzo Malate, which is near University of the Philippines Manila and St. Paul University Manila as well as medical centers including Philippine General Hospital, Manila Doctors Hospital and Medical Center Manila; and Torre Central near UST.
A sixth premium university residence from TLDC will soon rise in Quezon City, near Ateneo de Manila University and Miriam College in the Katipunan area.