The Lavender Oasis
Your Refreshing Oasis in the Academic Desert
Figure1. Close visualization of The Lavender Oasis
November 4, 2024
Team ACE
Ibtihal Benaboud, Aicha Barry, Tania Criollo, Muhammad Mamsa
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Introduction
In the bustling environment of academic life, where students navigate a maze of classes,
assignments, and social engagements, the need for a serene and multifunctional space becomes
essential. Introducing The Lavender Oasis, a student center designed to transform the campus
experience into a refreshing sanctuary. This innovative facility will be a vibrant hub that caters to
the diverse needs of the student body while promoting collaboration, creativity, and community
engagement.
Accessibility, comfort, and mental health are important in this project, ensuring that The
Lavender Oasis is an inviting space for all. The Lavender Oasis will be situated between
Baskerville Hall and Wingate Hall, covering an area of 92,400 square feet across four floors. We
chose lavender as a central theme because it is prominently featured in the CCNY logo and
represents the identity of our institution. The building will emphasize incorporating more
greenery by adding an abundance of plants. This design and location aim to create a welcoming
and vibrant space for all students at CCNY.
The Lavender Oasis will not only enrich the campus landscape but also foster a sense of
belonging and support academic success. By creating a multifunctional environment that
harmonizes study, recreation, and creativity, we aspire to cultivate a thriving community where
every student can flourish.
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        Figure 2. Pie chart showcasing what students would like to include in the student center.  



                                    Figure 3. The desired location for The Lavender Oasis. 

Action plan
1st floor
The ground floor will feature a vibrant food court designed to cater to a diverse range of dietary
preferences, offering various dining options such as healthy choices, vegetarian and vegan
selections, and popular local vendors that reflect the culinary richness of the community. This
area will serve as a lively community hub where students can gather, socialize, and relax
between classes. Comfortable seating arrangements will include a mix of cozy booths, communal
tables, and lounge seating, encouraging interaction among students. Additionally, the space will
incorporate ambient lighting and greenery to create a welcoming atmosphere, complete with
charging stations and Wi-Fi access to accommodate students needing to catch up on work or
engage in casual conversations over a meal.
Figure 4: Floor plan for the 1st floor
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2nd floor
This floor will house dynamic and interactive spaces specifically designed for louder activities
that encourage engagement and fun. It will include karaoke rooms equipped with the latest sound
systems and an extensive song library, allowing students to showcase their talents and enjoy
nights of musical entertainment. The movie theater will feature comfortable seating, a large
screen, and high-definition audio for a truly immersive viewing experience, making it the perfect
spot for movie nights or film festivals. Gaming lounges will be outfitted with the latest gaming
consoles and PCs, offering students a dedicated space to compete or collaborate in various video
games. Each activity area will be soundproofed to minimize noise disruption, allowing students
to enjoy their pursuits freely without disturbing others. Furthermore, the inclusion of multi
purpose rooms will facilitate various events, such as workshops, game nights, and musical
performances, ensuring there’s always something happening on campus.
Figure 5: Floor plan for the 2nd floor
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3rd floor
The third floor will focus on fostering creativity and self-expression through art and hands-on
projects. It will feature spacious art exhibition areas showcasing student artwork, rotating
exhibits from local artists, and opportunities for students to host their own shows. Dedicated
planting rooms will allow students to engage in gardening and sustainable projects, promoting a
hands-on approach to learning and creativity. Mini libraries stocked with fun and engaging books
will provide a cozy corner for students to read and study. This floor will also include event rooms
designed for hosting art shows, cultural events, and creative workshops, complete with art
supplies, equipment, and flexible seating arrangements to accommodate different activities. The
tranquil atmosphere, enhanced by natural light from large windows, will inspire students to
explore their artistic sides and collaborate with peers.
Figure 6: Floor plan for the 3rd floor
4th floor
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Dedicated to fostering academic collaboration and individual focus, the fourth floor will feature a
variety of modern study spaces tailored to meet diverse learning preferences. Comfortable study
rooms equipped with efficient furniture, large tables, and advanced technology will be available
for group projects, ensuring students have the tools they need to succeed. Collaborative
workspaces will promote teamwork, featuring whiteboards and interactive displays to facilitate
creative thinking. For those seeking a quieter environment, designated quiet zones will provide
peaceful retreats with soundproof walls, comfortable seating, and ample natural light, allowing
for uninterrupted study time. This floor will also include private study pods for individuals or
small groups who need focused environments. Overall, the study spaces will offer a well
balanced atmosphere, combining comfort, technology, and collaborative opportunities, all
designed to support student success and well-being amid the bustling campus life.
Figure 7: Floor plan for the 4th floor
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Estimated time
Figure 8. Table outline of how long project will take.

Cost and benefits
The building will be 92,400 sq ft and 23,100 sq ft for each floor. The cost for construction is
300$ per sq ft and the total estimated project cost: $28,631,000.
Estimation of maintenance cost (staff, utility, insurance…): $20,000- $27,000 per month
1/1/2025 4/11/2025 7/20/2025 10/28/2025 2/5/2026 5/16/2026 8/24/2026 12/2/2026
Pre-Construction Phase
Site Preparation
Foundation Work
Superstructure Construction
Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing
Exterior Finishing
Interior Finishing
Landscaping and Site Work
Final Inspections and Occupancy
The Lavender Oasis project

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Items Cost Details
Estimated Total
Construction Cost
$27,720,000 Based on construction cost per sq ft.
Elevators (3) $150,000 Costs for installation, depending on type and
features.
Escalators (2) $200,000 Installation costs
Painting $231,000 Paint, labor costs (lavender color).
HVAC Systems $25,000 Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
Electrical and Plumbing $50,000 Wiring, plumbing, fixtures.
Restrooms (4) $100,000 restrooms, fixtures, and fittings
Furniture
1st floor
2nd floor
3rd floor
4th floor
+Planting
$50,000
$30,000
$25,000
$50,000
$5,000 -tables, chairs, food service equipment -karaoke room, movie room, gaming room -art room, planting room, event rooms -Modern desks, ergonomic chairs, and group
study
tables
$28,636,000
Total Estimated Project
Costs
Including all the above
Figure 9. Table with the estimated cost of building the Lavender Oasis
The Lavender Oasis offers numerous benefits that address key aspects of student well-being,
from mental health support to enhanced academic performance. Integrating greenery into the
university environment has been shown to reduce stress, improve emotional states, and boost
cognitive function. Research demonstrates that students have a strong preference for spaces
featuring greenery, which they associate with higher restoration potential and overall comfort.
This suggests that incorporating natural elements such as plants, calming colors, and open spaces
in The Lavender Oasis could provide a valuable mental respite from academic stress, helping
students feel more relaxed and focused. (Bogerd et al,.2018)
In addition, the Oasis would prioritize student wellness, acknowledging that physical comfort,
mental health, and social connectivity are all interlinked. A study examining campus design
emphasized the importance of moving beyond merely mitigating negative environmental factors
to creating spaces that actively enhance well-being. By offering thoughtfully designed areas for
relaxation and community engagement, The Lavender Oasis could foster a sense of connection
among students, enriching the collective experience on campus. (Makaremi et al,.2024)
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Furthermore, the link between mental health and academic performance highlights the critical
need for supportive spaces on campus. Findings show that mental health challenges such as
anxiety, depression, and stress can significantly impact students’ academic success, with high
levels of stress and depression correlating to lower performance outcomes. By providing a
dedicated space for relaxation, mindfulness, and community support, The Lavender Oasis could
play a vital role in alleviating these challenges, ultimately helping students thrive both personally
and academically. (Bogerd et al,.2018)
In addition to enriching the student experience, the Lavender Oasis will create a variety of job
opportunities in food service, facility management, and event coordination, benefiting not only
the student body but also the local community. The multifunctional areas designated for dining,
activities, arts, and studying will cater to a diverse range of interests, ensuring that every student
finds a space to thrive and engage fully in campus life.
Team section
Ibtihal Benaboud: She is a second-year student at the City College of New York (CCNY),
transferring from an Architecture major to Civil Engineering. With a passion for design,
structural integrity, and physics, she is dedicated, detail-oriented, and possesses basic proficiency
in AutoCAD and engineering principles. Additionally, she has experience working as a tutor in
high school, where she developed strong communication skills and a passion for helping others.
She is fluent in four languages and currently learning two more. she is also proficient in
Microsoft Office, allowing her to effectively organize data and present information clearly.
Ibtihal is excited to leverage her diverse skills and experiences in her new field.
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Aicha Barry: Aicha Barry is a first-year computer engineer at the City College of New York.
She is passionate about building and developing new materials for those around her. Her interest
in the way things are made can be traced back to her early days. She would take apart her toys
just to put them back together again. Due to her destruction, she developed good memory and
critical thinking skills from a very young age. This motivated her to include herself in places
where something would challenge her engineering brain. Throughout her high school career,
Aicha participated in internship programs such as the Harlem Children Zone where she
collaborated with her peers to construct different machines to make sure that her teammates
could operate them.
Tania Criollo: Tania Criollo is a first-year Mechanical Engineering student at City College of
New York with a strong passion for innovation and sustainable design. She has hands-on
experience in team-based projects, where she proves her ability to adapt quickly and solve
problems collaboratively. During her internship at Skanska/HNTB, Tania contributed to the
planning of a new train station, successfully incorporating diverse ideas from her team to create a
comprehensive design. She also gained valuable skills in time management, completing critical
presentations for senior engineers within tight deadlines. Tania is proactive in troubleshooting
and problem-solving, as seen in her work managing production machine malfunctions to reduce
downtime. Eager to continue learning and contributing, she is excited about the opportunity to
bring her communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills to innovative projects.
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Muhammad Mamsa: A second-year computer science student at City College of New York,
Muhammad Mamsa is meticulous and driven, with strong problem-solving abilities and
proficiency in Java. He has experience working in sales and retail, He is seeking the opportunity
to apply his technical knowledge and contribute to innovative software development projects.
Conclusion
We understand that the student body at CCNY is incredibly diverse, with everyone bringing
unique interests and needs to the campus community. This is precisely why our building, The
Lavender Oasis, is the ideal option for a student center that prioritizes comfort, mental health,
and accessibility. Designed with students in mind, this center will cater to a wide range of
activities, from studying and socializing to artistic expression. By choosing us, you are
supporting the creation of a welcoming environment where diverse interests can flourish and
thrive, ultimately enhancing the overall campus experience for everyone involved. Choose us to
create a welcoming environment where diverse interests can flourish.
Sources
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Nastaran Makaremi, Serra Yildirim, Garrett T. Morgan, Marianne F. Touchie, J. Alstan Jakubiec,
John B. Robinson.2024. Impact of classroom environment on student wellbeing in higher
education:Review and future directions,Building and Environment.
Jianwu Zhang, Chun Peng, Chen Chen. 2024.Mental health and academic performance of
college students: Knowledge in the field of mental health, self-control, and learning in
college,Acta Psychologica.
Nicole van den Bogerd ,S. Coosje Dijkstra ,Jacob C. Seidell ,Jolanda Maas.2018. Greenery in the
university environment: Students’ preferences and perceived restoration likelihood. PLOS ONE.