Florida State University Student Union
The evolution of Student Unions at universities and colleges has transformed campuses across the country by providing students the opportunity to gather, study, socialize and exchange ideas to enhance their overall college experience. This project will provide new space and renovate existing space for the FSU Oglesby Student Union to create a social and academic collaborative space for the students.
The previous facility consisted of six connected buildings constructed at different times starting in 1940, nearly 80 years ago. Due to their age, condition and functionality, the entire complex was upgraded and improved.
The new FSU Student Union is a more continuous space, composed of one big building with a 48 foot atrium and extends nearly all the way to Legacy Walk. Inside the New Union is an updated Crenshaw Lanes, FSU Bookstore, and Apple authorized Computer Store, the return of Club Down-Under, as well as a more spacious Art Center and 1,500+ person capacity Ballroom. The new building has several food options, including Pollo Tropical, Panera Bread, Panda Express, Seminole Pies, the Sports Grill and Starbucks. The western end has a colonnade and new Market Plaza for concerts, performances and the FSU staple of ‘Market Wednesdays’.
Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs said the new Union built off holistic wellness initiatives undertaken by FSU in recent years. Those initiatives include ensuring students have positive social outlets, opportunities and environments. “The Union will play a key role in our efforts to become a healthier campus community.”
“The university was very intentional in the design of the building to facilitate community building through features like lounge space, seating, to facilitate shared workspaces and bigger tables for more people to sit versus individual space,” he said. “The idea is that the space helps facilitate engagement so that, as you pass through, you are surrounded by opportunities to engage with others.” said Student Affairs Associate VP, Brandon Bowden.
Engagement, connection, and community have been made easier too thanks to an abundance of wireless technology that permeates the building, including plug and play between laptops and in-house screens and projectors.
COMPANY
sectors
Client
Florida State University<
Location
Tallahassee, FL
Architect
Architects Lewis + Whitlock / Workshop Architects
SF
269,000