This project created a cohesive student union complex from a disparate jumble of individual buildings added to the campus of several decades. The core idea of the concept used an idea that Nordstrom’s stores have long relied on, creating a simple centralized circulation system to which each of the buildings would connect like blades on a pinwheel. From the main lobby on the upper plaza level, an open stair cascades down the hillside to a new entrance on the lower street front, connecting the campus to the adjacent residential community.

The result is a wonderful array of spaces and functions that are easy to find, each with its own character and most with spectacular views of Puget Sound. The food court was moved up to the main plaza level where it would be most convenient for students who could then take advantage of the L-shaped outdoor plaza in pleasant weather. The complex also included new kitchen facilities, renovated meeting rooms, an outdoor equipment rental center, numerous office spaces for faculty and student organizations, new classrooms, the student radio station, a renovated multipurpose room, and a central loading dock serving not only the student union but also the adjacent main campus dining hall.

¹Design Principal with LMN Architects

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