International Village earns top honors

Northeastern University’s newest residence hall, International Village, has received two new honors that recognize top priorities at the university—the fostering of a strong relationship with the surrounding community, and the promotion of sustainability.

The Boston Society of Landscape Architects has given International Village a merit award for its use of landscape architecture in an urban setting, noting that the design “commendably creates a new character for the Ruggles Station area, effectively rehabilitating the utilitarian transportation function to provide a welcoming streetscape and green space.” The award will be presented at a reception on May 6.

Stephen Stimson Associates worked with university officials to design the landscape architecture around the building.

International Village has also received a LEED Gold certification plaque, which will be prominently displayed within the building. LEED is an internationally recognized program that measures green building practices by examining energy savings, water efficiency, the reduction of harmful emissions and other key sustainability criteria. International Village makes use of such green elements as motion-sensor lighting, recycled building materials, low-flow showers and faucets, and a roof garden.

Composed of three towers that stretch as high as 22 stories, International Village opened early last fall as a residence hall for 1,200 upper-class students and members of the Honors First-Year Living Learning community. The building also offers classroom and dining space, and boasts an extensive art collection including photography, sculpture, electronic installations and a 240-square-foot mural on the ground floor.

In addition, International Village houses several Northeastern programs that offer significant benefits to the community, such as the Center for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Education, the Institute on Urban Health Research and Sport in Society.