University Center, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, California

On course to break ground in 2010, the 132,000 square foot University Center will become the nexus of campus social life, combining four levels of dining with gathering spaces, student clubs and services, and main campus bookstore.  Given that Sonoma State is a commuter campus without a large-scale, round-the-clock meeting place, the new Center will greatly enhance student life by providing a place for students to gather outside of class.

The new Center will also house a conference center available for campus meetings and outside rental, as well as retail spaces for vendors including a bank, convenience store, copy center, and post office.  Eighty-five percent of the overall program of the building will generate revenue for the campus and ensure the facility’s year-round economic sustainability. 

To communicate its significant role, the Center will be located on the main campus walkway adjacent to the school entrance.  A three story corner window revealing the Center’s activities will catch students’ eyes as they walk along this pedestrian way. 

Like the eye-catching corner window, the northern facade of the Center will also have multi-story windows that reveal the building’s activities to its neighbor, the Recreation Center.  The space in between these two key buildings will be activated with a new courtyard that will strengthen the relationship between the two and create a neighborhood of student life.