Shaping student life and promoting academic collaboration at Pennsylvania State University
The Brandywine campus at Pennsylvania State University (PSU) was a commuter school that served over 1,500 students. PSU had the goal to transform their campus culture and embrace on-campus living, which meant the development of a new student residence hall complex.
But they didn’t just put up a residential hall. The transition and growth needed support spaces—and that’s where we came in. Our job was to design the new 31,000-square-foot student union, a centralized school facility with a range of student support services for commuters and residents alike. Alongside full residential dining options, the student union also includes meeting rooms, a bookstore, health and wellness services, lounge areas, student affairs, and a student organizations office.
Our design takes advantage of a steeply-sloped site to create and focus views toward natural features. The dining room directs views to the wooded landscape and nature walk leading to the residence hall, while the student lounge provides a glowing beacon of activity at night, openly inviting students to join the fun.
The PSU Brandywine Student Union is the new epicenter of student life on campus.
At a Glance
Chesenia Burgos, Associate, Interior Design
As a designer, I encourage all staff to voice questions and opinions. It reinforces understanding, while strengthening the overall team.
Tom Foley, Associate
The most effective designs come from a willingness to listen to and engage each team member—and thoughtfully apply each person’s expertise.
AJ Thackrah, Principal
I chose this profession because I believe that we all have the opportunity to make a more positive impact on the environment we live in.
We’re better together
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