Campus Life Pamphlet, ca. 1960s-1970s. Courtesy of University of Guelph Student Housing Services.

The stacking of the ‘alcoves’ 6 storeys high has not proven to match Andrews’ expectations. Since the “street” splits the architect’s sectional arrangement into upper and lower “houses” and students tend to take different pathways in their daily routines, there is little vertical interaction in the residences. Internal, horizontal circulation between houses on the upper levels also weakens the architect’s original intent.

Due to the shear size of the “South Rez” “mega-plex” and negative reactions towards the cold, gray concrete, it’s not the first choice for most students. Once allocated a room in South Rez, however, most students withdraw their request for transfer to another residence due to the flexibility of the rooms and the social benefits of living in the building.

This Campus Life pamphlet from the late 1960s or early 1970s illustrates the emerging importance of residence life for the overall learning experience.