Understanding what drives the need for change
The University of Southern California embarked on an ambitious vision: creating the largest development in South L.A.'s history while transforming how students experience campus life. USC Village would house 2,500 students across five residential buildings, designed as a medieval Tuscan village that blended academic and social spaces seamlessly. The university recognized that modern students needed more than traditional dormitory furniture—they required spaces that could adapt to their diverse learning styles and social interactions throughout the day.
USC's challenge was clear: how do you create inviting environments that foster genuine collaboration, focused study, and casual social engagement all within the same space? The university wanted students to feel at home while encouraging them to stay engaged with campus life rather than retreating to their rooms. This meant designing flexible spaces that could transform from quiet study zones in the morning to collaborative work areas in the afternoon to social gathering spots in the evening.
How we brought the vision to life
Tangram began this design partnership in 2013, three years before USC Village's completion, by conducting real-world research with students in existing campus spaces. Sales Executive Lupe Morfin and the team tested different furniture configurations and styles, observing how students naturally interacted with their environment and gathering feedback on what truly supported their academic and social needs.
This research revealed that students craved variety in both seating options and spatial arrangements. Tangram responded by curating a diverse mix of furniture styles that accommodated different postures and learning preferences—from focused individual study to dynamic group collaboration. The key insight was designing for constant reconfiguration: lightweight, mobile pieces that students could easily move and rearrange throughout the day. Every lobby, multi-purpose room, study space, outdoor area, and dining hall was furnished with this principle of student empowerment and adaptability in mind.
2 professionals brought this vision to life
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