Located adjacent to Florida Gulf Coast University and connected to the new off-campus student housing community, this ground-up shopping center provides entries and entertainment missing from the current market. The Florida climate was the main influence in KTGY’s choice to use white as the primary color for University Village Shops and Dining. White reflects the sun off the buildings, reducing heat absorption and keeping the interiors cool. The design of this open-air shopping center is inspired by Spanish and Mediterranean coastal architecture. The use of arched covered walkways, canvas awnings and water features reinforce the architectural style and provide cooling elements as well as protection from the warm Florida sun. The center is oriented towards a central paseo with a main courtyard facing the lake and the residential student housing buildings, and creates a university environment where students, staff and faculty can meet, shop and eat.
