IMHO it's a terrible layout but not for the lack of windows in bedrooms. The pod shared space is basically useless. Why do students on a meal plan need a full kitchen? What are they going to do with a single big table? Why use 1/2 of each pods exterior wall for windowless bedrooms?

The common space should be the entire exterior wall. It should be a living room instead of a kitchen/table combo.

The proportions are off too, IMHO. The pod living spaces are too small and the great rooms too big.

> I doubt the patrons feel stuck in a temperature storage facility.

They also aren't living in a windowless box. They still likely get natural light in their cubicles.