We are thought leaders when it comes to student life and wrote THE BOOK on student unions. Since 2005, the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) has recognized our expertise with 19 Facility Design Excellence Awards, more than any other architecture firm. Over the past 40 years, we has worked on over 185 different college and university campuses to enhance diverse student living and learning.
There are many types of program areas that make a Student Union function at the highest level. Some of the spaces we consider in our designs include:
Large gathering spaces in student union design are pivotal for fostering community engagement and collaboration among students. These versatile areas are designed to accommodate events, workshops, and social activities, creating a dynamic atmosphere where diverse groups can come together to share ideas, celebrate, and build lasting connections.
Dining spaces are designed serve as vibrant communal hubs where students can share meals and connect with one another. Thoughtfully designed dining areas that accommodate diverse dietary needs and preferences promote healthy eating habits and foster a sense of belonging among students.
Incorporating retail spaces into student union design can offer a variety of amenities and foster a welcoming atmosphere. These spaces contribute to a vibrant campus culture that supports both academic and personal growth.
Small group spaces in student union design are vital for facilitating collaboration and teamwork among students, offering intimate settings for discussions and project work. These thoughtfully designed areas provide the privacy and comfort needed for meaningful interactions, fostering connections that enhance the overall student experience.
Multi-cultural spaces in student union design play a crucial role in celebrating diversity and fostering inclusivity among students from various backgrounds. By providing welcoming environments for cultural exchange, collaboration, and shared activities, these spaces encourage understanding and connection, enriching the campus community as a whole.
Spaces for commuter students are essential for creating a sense of belonging and support for those who travel to campus daily. These dedicated areas provide amenities such as comfortable seating, charging stations, and quiet study zones, ensuring commuter students have a welcoming place to relax, study, and connect with peers between classes.
We believe that student unions should be dynamic and diverse hubs that reflect the unique culture of each college or university. Our designs prioritize flexibility and inclusivity, integrating collaborative spaces, study areas, and social spaces to foster student engagement and community.
By incorporating thoughtful design elements that encourage social interaction, we create environments that not only serve diverse student needs but also enhance the overall campus experience.
“From the initiation of the process through the completion of the facility, WTW Architects [an AE Works company] proved to be an invaluable partner. They worked diligently with our students and administrators in developing a design that not only met the programmatic and aesthetic goals for the facility, but also were also helpful in ensuring that we staying within the available budget for the project.”
- Karl Brockenbrough, Vice President for Administration and Finance, Bowie State University
Project Experience
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska East Union
University of North Dakota, Memorial Union
University of Houston, Student Center
Bowie State University, Student Center
George Mason University, Student Union Building I
Southeastern Louisiana University, War Memorial Student Union
University of Miami, Student Activity Center
Towson University, Student Union
Youngstown State University, Kilcawley Student Center