Helix Architecture + Design has been chosen to design a new 250-bed student living center and dining hall for the Kansas City Art Institute. Construction will begin in 2018 on the project, which was made possible by a $10 million anonymous gift through the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation.

Several firms submitted proposals for the student living center, but Helix' plan stood out because it created connections and emphasized relationships between the new student living center, the new garden space and current housing, according to KCAI President Tony Jones.

"The result will be a thoughtful design that takes into consideration the needs of our students while respecting our historic Rockhill and Southmoreland neighborhoods, and advancing the college's extensive landscape plan," Jones said.

Helix partnered with Denver-based consulting firm Christopher Carvell Architects to land the project. Carvell has developed nationally recognized expertise in the design of "Next Generation" student life facilities.

"It is an honor to work alongside one of the country's leading arts education institutions to redefine the student housing experience and create a space that nurtures the creativity of these young artists," said Reeves Wiedeman, founding principal with Helix Architecture + Design. "KCAI's new student housing project will be a beacon for attracting talent to the campus and our city."

Helix is an award-winning, Kansas City-based design firm consistently ranked among the best in the nation by Architect Magazine. The firm's diverse portfolio of work includes extensive experience with higher education institutions throughout the region. According to a release, the KCAI student housing project includes contemporary dining that will be open to the public and a large terraced garden.

Located at 4415 Warwick, KCAI is a private, independent four-year college of art and design awarding the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with 13 studio majors. KCAI also offers continuing education courses. Founded in 1885, KCAI is Kansas City's oldest arts organization. For more information, visit www.kcai.edu.