LSU Student Union
The Louisiana State University Student Union serves as a hub of campus life, offering a wide variety of amenities and services. Originally built in the 1960s, much of the facility was outdated and well overdue for a significant overhaul. In response, Grace Hebert Curtis Architects designed a sweeping renovation that breathed new life into the campus landmark.
Upgrades to the Student Union include enhanced retail amenities, new dining facilities, modernizations to the ballroom/meeting room and a revitalization of the Union Theater. These improvements have helped unify student organizations as well as strengthen and support the LSU Campus Master Plan. Grace Hebert Curtis Architects worked in association with WTW Architects on the project.
Project Size: 305,000 square feet
Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Completed: 2011
Linking the Past and the Present
Grace Hebert Curtis Architects honored the existing architectural elements and introduced a color, finish and furniture palette that feels sophisticated but also warm and inviting.
Dream Theater
The renovated Union Theater now offers larger and more welcoming lobbies as well as new circulation paths, including stairs at both crossover aisle elevations. New support spaces include a box office, a pre-function reception room and dressing rooms.
Lights and Sound
The Union Theater received new ceiling and wall reflectors and an electronic sound-enhancement system.
Bringing Communities Together
The state-of-the-art, 17,000-square-foot, two-story Olinde Career Center located in the heart of the LSU Student Union, offers education and career advising services. Grace Hebert Curtis Architects created a warm, professional environment for the center that is infused with the latest technology — appealing to multiple generations of the LSU community as well as local partners.
Preparing for Success
The Olinde Career Center’s program spaces include a workforce information library, a financial management learning center, conference areas, administrative offices and 22 interview rooms.
Project Awards
Facility Design Award of Excellence Association of College Unions International 2013
Design Excellence Gold Award American Society of Interior Designers 2011
Gulf States Merit Award American Institute of Architects 2011
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Related Projects
TWU Student Union at Hubbard Hall
Valdry Center for Philanthropy at Southern University