Residencia para estudiantes universitarios en Bucaramanga

Abstract

Architecture, understood as a discipline at the service of society, has the responsibility to respond to the changing dynamics of both the environment and its users. In this regard, within the urban context of Bucaramanga—a city that has become a regional educational hub—a growing issue is evident: the limited supply of student housing that adequately meets the needs of non-local students who migrate for academic purposes. Institutions such as the Industrial University of Santander (UIS), where approximately 50% of the student population comes from other regions, along with the University for Research and Development (UDI) and the Santo Tomás University, reinforce Bucaramanga’s role as a university city. However, the current housing alternatives are often generic, inflexible, and lacking functionality, failing to consider the real needs of students: studying, resting, socializing, and adapting to dynamic lifestyles. In response to this situation, this graduation project proposes the design of a university residence that incorporates principles of flexible architecture, allowing the transformation and adaptation of spaces according to the changing demands of the user. The project aims to comprehensively address the housing challenges faced by non-local students, through a user-centered approach that considers urban context and spatial functionality. The methodology is structured into five phases. First, the problem and location are identified, analyzing the urban, social, and educational context of Bucaramanga. Next, a user characterization is conducted to understand students’ needs and lifestyles. Subsequently, a typological analysis of existing university residences is carried out to assess case studies and extract valuable insights. In the fourth phase, a flexibility analysis is developed, focusing on spatial adaptability as the core of the design. Finally, all findings are integrated into a coherent, functional, and flexible architectural proposal aligned with the urban and regulatory context.