Student Union

The Student Union Redefined.

The Student Union is the focal point of a university. It is a hub of activity, the place for learning, dining, working out – or just hanging out. It represents the culture of a school, showcases its personality, and reflects its history. At WTW, we’ve become the architect of choice for a wide range of student unions across the country because we collaborate closely with school administrators, donors, and faculty to identify their vision of the building. We assess the needs and wishes of students. And we immerse ourselves in the university’s history, as well as its future, to create designs that are unexpected, unique, and stand the test of time.

Nebraska East Union, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Improving visual connectivity, transparency, daylighting, and discernible wayfinding were all key objectives to the success of this 104,000 sf renovation and addition of the Nebraska East Union. The most dramatic new feature is the redesigned central atrium, an organizing element that revitalizes the sense of community in the building.

Lincoln, NE
Lib Jackson Student Union, Coastal Carolina University

The campus has been transformed by an addition and renovation which was designed to complement the classic architecture. The new spaces intuitively create a sense of community and enhance student life.

Conway, SC
Natali Student Center, California University of Pennsylvania

Thirty years after WTW’s original design, CalU re-engaged WTW to transform and expand the center with extensive renovations and strategic additions creating a 135,000-sf center. Located at the hub of housing and academic districts, Natali is a vital campus crossroads.

California, PA

135,000 SF
William Pitt Union-Third Floor Renovation, University of Pittsburgh

Approximately 10,000 sf of the Union was designated for this project. WTW Architects was selected to plan and design the new facility.

Pittsburgh, PA
10,000 SF
Student Center, University of Houston

The University of Houston’s vision was to transform its outdated 1960’s University Center into a ‘next generation’ student life center without disrupting key on-going operations.

Houston, TX
300,000 SF
Student Union, Southeastern Louisiana University

Nearly doubling the size of the existing student union, this project transforms a complex series of smaller additions into a cohesive center of student life. The addition unifies the building as it completes the south edge of the majestic central campus quadrangle.

Hammond, LA
Student Center, Wayne State University

This transformation of a mid-century concrete building into a vital and robust center of student engagement is a testimony to the innovative vision of the university and the design team of Neumann Smith/WTW Architects.

Detroit, MI
225,000 SF
Wenn Student Center Renovation, Georgia Institute of Technology

A new curvilinear “main street” connects new and renovated areas of the building, showcasing student activities. Food and entertainment are featured throughout including live performances from the stage.

Atlanta, GA
163,459 SF Renovation
University Center, Western State Colorado University

As the heart of campus life at Western State, the University Center is warm and welcoming during frigid Rocky Mountain winters and provides engaging outdoor spaces for year-round use.

Gunnison, CO
69,000 SF
LEED Gold
Student Union, Valdosta State University

Designed to complement the historic campus Spanish Mission style, this new center of student life serves as a gateway to the campus and a landmark building for the university. The signature rotunda entrance and open stairway gracefully connect the main entrance to campus.

Valdosta, GA
118,000 SF
Joe Crowley Student Union, University of Nevada, Reno

Located at the crossroads of three major campus axes and the main campus entrance, the Crowley serves as a welcome center for visitors and the hub of student life.

Reno, NV
167,300 SF
SMC Campus Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore

This multi-story Campus Center, nestled between existing campus structures, projects an open and inviting image to students and focuses on student activity in the urban context. Organized around a dramatic two-story entry lobby, this unique facility combines dynamic student life components with an exciting recreational/fitness/wellness center.

Baltimore, MD
126,000 SF
New & Renovation
Sam Rayburn Student Center, Texas A&M University, Commerce

Strategically located at the intersection between the academic quad and student housing, the Student Center is a dynamic crossroads on campus that is the hub of student life. The Center provides an oasis for the large commuter population while incorporating features to support resident students as well.

College Station, TX
92,000 SF
Kent Campus Center, Simpson College

The Kent Campus Center provides flexibility and versatility to accommodate a variety of student / alumni / community sponsored events. A central atrium creates a new center of student life that links the various campus neighborhoods together.

Indianola, IN
54,600 SF
University Center, Shawnee State University

A total renovation and doubling of the size of the University Center has reshaped the vision of student life on the campus. The new 575-seat Dining Commons with an outdoor dining terrace provides expansive views to the main campus quadrangle.

Portsmouth, OH
Renovation / New Construction
89,000 SF
Student Memorial Center Addition and Renovation, Millersville University

The 1960’s Memorial Center was totally renovated and nearly doubled in size to enhance both its Student Center and Recreation Center components. A new main entrance addition and atrium provides a single point of orientation for both the Student Center and the Rec Center. The work was phased and construction accelerated to allow maximum utilization of existing program spaces during construction.

Millersville, PA
100,000 SF New /
70,000 SF Renovation
Student Activity Center, University of Miami

The purpose, design, and location of this exciting new building was to provide a facility to meet the needs of today’s students and the entire University community, while providing a signature building on campus. WTW and Miami-based Arquitectonica were commissioned for the design of the new 75,000-square-foot Student Activity Center.

Coral Gables, FL
75,000 SF
LEED Silver
Student Union Building II Renovation, George Mason University

George Mason’s three existing interrelated student life centers underwent a total transformation. SUB II was renovated and expanded to create the new home for student on-campus activities, student media, clubs & organizations, and other student related programs.

Fairfax, VA
92,000 SF Renovation
Student Union Building I Renovation, George Mason University,

As part of a total transformation of three existing interrelated student life centers, SUB I was renovated and expanded into a new Student Services Center including a “One Stop Shop” for students to interface with the myriad of administrative functions related to their education.

Fairfax, VA
110,900 SF
Student Activity Center, University of Texas-Austin

Strategically located to connect the two major pedestrian arteries in the historic heart of the Austin campus, the Student Activity Center at the University of Texas is the vibrant new crossroads of campus life.

Austin, TX
125,000 SF
LEED Gold
Roanoke College, Colket Campus Center

The new facility was designed with two goals in mind: to reflect the early 20th-century style of the existing historic student union and commons building, and to transform the facility to enhance the contemporary student experience.

Salem, VA
20,000 SF New /
40,000 SF Renovation
Student Center, Bowie State University

Strategically located at the new south campus precinct and integrally connected to the beautiful and historic campus green, the Student Center is both an iconic gateway to campus and the heart of student life.

Bowie, MD
95,000 SF
LEED Gold
Student Union, The University of Connecticut

A WTW preliminary feasibility study concluded that UCONN’s campus badly needed a “College Towne” center. The 50 year old student union underwent extensive renovations and a major addition to create the envisioned student centered “College Towne.”

Storrs, CT
100,000 SF New /
100,000 SF Renovation
LSU Union Expansion, Louisiana State University

This major renovation and expansion was based on WTW’s long-range master plan for the facility. Sensitive renovation and additions to the historic mid-twentieth century modern structure, while creating a dynamic contemporary center of student life, were the driving concepts for the design.

Baton Rouge, LA
50,000 SF New /
150,000 SF Renovation
Memorial Center, University of Colorado

Sensitivity to the Tuscan style and vernacular architecture common to major existing campus buildings provided the primary design direction for this major renovation and expansion. The building was totally transformed to create a thoroughly current student experience while respecting the traditional architecture of this historic campus.

Denver, Colorado
212,000 SF
52,000 SF New /
160,000 SF Renovation
LEED Silver
Student Union, University of New Mexico

The fast-track renovation and additions to this circa 1950 Student Union created a completely new center of student life while retaining and enhancing the charm of the existing facility’s Pueblo Revival-style architecture.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Size: 172,000 SF

30,000 SF New / 142,000 SF Renovation
Baker University Center, Ohio University

A five story atrium with skylights and escalators provides a strategic link between the older traditional upper campus and the newer academic and residential districts on the lower campus. The atrium is the dynamic center of student life around which a wide array of activities is focused.

Athens, OH
175,000 SF
Student Center Expansion, University of California, Irvine

Taking advantage of the climate, the Center is organized around an extensive landscaped outdoor courtyard that serves as the hub of student life. The design respects the classic southern California aesthetic that defines the campus.

Irvine, CA
250,000 SF
130,000 SF New /
120,000 SF Renovation
LEED Gold
The Gardner Student Union, University of Akron

The new Gardner Student Union completely replaced the existing student center on the same site, transforming the sense of community on campus. Phased demolition and construction allowed the student center to remain fully operational during the two phases of construction.

Akron, OH

198,000 SF
Dudley H. Davis Student Center, The University of Vermont

The Davis Student Center has become the hub of student engagement connecting the previously separate academic and residential campus districts. The sustainable design of the facility has led to a campus-wide commitment to sustainable practices in all aspects of University life.

Burlington, VT
200,000 SF
LEED Gold (first LEED Gold student union in the US)