Carson, CA

California State University, Dominguez Hills determined that the Donald P. and Katherine B. Loker University Student Union needed to be updated and expanded to accommodate the increasing requirements of its student body – the building, located at the heart of the campus, is the center and soul of campus life. Innovative in design and function, the new facility includes a variety of spaces supporting the latest trends in student unions, activity, and recreation.

The expansion project entailed a 65,650 sf renovation of the existing building and a 71,350 sf addition to the north. A multilevel courtyard simultaneously separates and connects the two buildings and provides a common area for students and faculty. The addition, which doubled available program space, provides a fresh, inviting, and open atmosphere and incorporates numerous sustainable design features.

The expanded student union contains a variety of student lounge areas to meet student demand for social, interactive space, as well as the student bookstore and other retail outlets, student-services support space, administrative office space, a full production kitchen, and indoor and outdoor dining areas. Expanded foodservice options include several fast-food outlets, a fine-dining area, and a sports lounge. Other amenities include a large ballroom, computer rooms, a game room, conference and meeting rooms, a campus post office, and banking services.