War Memorial Student Union, Southeastern Louisiana University

Nearly doubling the size of the existing union, this project transforms a complex series of additions into a cohesive center of student life. The addition unifies the building as it completes the south edge of campus. The result is vibrant building that welcomes visitors and serves as the ‘Front Door’ to the University.

The inside of the union features the same open and inviting elements that are employed in the design of the outside of the building. While circulating through the union, students can observe their friends on multiple floors, dining, lounging, meeting, and hanging out in the union.

The expansive glass exterior affords compelling vistas of the quad while displaying the vibrant activity inside the center to the campus community. A shaded plaza along the edge of the quad offers a major pedestrian pathway and gathering spaces that further engage the campus.

The three-story addition houses: a marketplace, retail dining, and recreation on the first floor; residential dining on the second floor; and a major ballroom and lounges on the third floor. Renovation of the existing building integrates updated student services spaces, meeting rooms, and bookstore into the student center.

WTW partnered with Holly & Smith Architects on this tranformative student life project.