Erb Memorial Union

Students seek out the University of Oregon for its unique culture of openness and exploration, and the EMU is designed to embody that culture.

Details

Name

Erb Memorial Union

Client

University of Oregon

Status

Completed 2016

Location

Eugene, OR

Sustainability

LEED NC Platinum Certification

Services

Architecture, Interiors

Sector

Public

Specialties

Reuse and Renovation, Sustainability

A central hub, updated and optimized

This student center is a prominent gathering space for students, but suffered from outdated spaces and circulation issues, both within the building and in terms of its broader campus context.

Engaging spaces that support meaningful work

The goal of the project was to expand the center to provide programs, services and spaces that are engaging to student user groups and that support the university’s academic mission.

Sustainable, welcoming, light-filled space

The completed renovation showcases UO’s commitment to sustainability at all levels, while creating an inviting central hearth for the campus.

Solution-oriented community engagement

In order to gain consensus from the multiple invested user groups on campus, SERA initiated a series of workshops and hands-on design sessions with university staff, faculty, and students.

Building understanding with stakeholders about needs, goals, and values

These work sessions resulted in a clearer understanding of the center’s interaction and implication to the surrounding campus, detailed program goals for each student user group with space in the center, and a design vision that embraces these goals and benefits the campus.

A variety of spaces for a diverse set of needs

The program for the student union building includes a multipurpose room, and numerous meeting rooms in addition to the more traditional program elements of a student union.