THE CONTEMPLATIVE COMMONS

UPDATES
The Contemplative Commons will be open during select hours for programming we are piloting in fall 2024. We are currently not accepting requests for space reservations and events as our team prepares for the public opening of the Commons April, 2025. Learn more.

ABOUT THE CONTEMPLATIVE COMMONS
The Contemplative Commons is dedicated to helping students and our communities flourish in all aspects of their lives. A new multipurpose building located in the heart of UVA Grounds between Bavaro Hall and the Dell Pond, the 57,000-square-foot building incorporates several new outdoor spaces, including contemplative gardens, a tree-lined courtyard, and a new green pedestrian bridge across Emmet Street. The Contemplative Commons is located at 403 Emmet Street South, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Supporting Well-being
The environment supports curated spaces and evidence-based programming intentionally created to help combat feelings of loneliness and depression and aims to help teach students how to rely upon contemplative practices and a sense of community to build resilience, promote belonging, and expand awareness.

Valued Partners
CSC works directly at the University of Virginia (UVA) and in collaboration with partners across Grounds on initiatives that combine contemplative and experiential learning as well as conducting multidisciplinary research across the University including the School of Medicine, the Brain Institute, and the Department of Music. We view contemplative learning as deeply experiential, holistic, and ecological. 

Innovative Spaces
The design includes a variety of flexible learning studios that can be configured for academic classes, quiet reflection, physical activity, or social interaction. The building will house academic activities and host extracurricular events, social gatherings, and local community engagements.