Manzanita Hall is an iconic student housing high rise on Arizona State University’s Tempe campus. Constructed in 1967 of post-tensioned concrete slabs and a precast concrete ‘V’ lattice structure, Manzanita Hall was an innovative, forward-thinking design for its time. Studio Ma worked with ASU’s student housing development partner, American Campus Communities, to re-program, adapt, and transform the existing building into an active student life community guided by the tenets of the ACUHO 21st Century Project: Community, Flexibility, Technology and Sustainability. The new 784 beds are part of ASU’s College of Liberal Arts & Science's First Year Residential Experience. The new exterior skin of the tower is inspired by references to the manzanita tree. This native evergreen's new growth is a deep red bark that contrasts its bleached-white old growth. Similarly, the old white concrete lattice structure of Manzanita Hall was left intact, while the new glass and metal skin lends a warm, vibrant contrast to the existing structure.

The creation of double-height “neighborhoods” with kitchen, laundry, and study rooms links every two floors, promoting and enlivening student interaction. Connecting the 15-story tower to its surrounding context is a new, dynamic shade canopy and a free-plan of programmed social and community spaces. These elements ground the building and allow the extension of activities to the adjacent study areas, meeting rooms, and the new fitness center and lounge. A terrace landscaped with desert plants overlooks new outdoor amenities: basketball and volleyball courts, barbecues, shaded seating and gathering spaces. The Manzanita Hall renovation received LEED Silver certification.