Originally built in 1976, the Titan Student Union (TSU) is a mainstay of the Cal State Fullerton campus. Most students—commuter or residential—pass by or through the building each day. In 2012, a student governing board led the charge to improve the aging campus hub, revealing that they had saved years of student body fees and could fund and oversee an expansion. Student representatives expressed two primary objectives: To connect students to each other, while connecting the building to the campus.
The new 27,000 SF addition creates a front door experience for the campus community. The soaring triple-height atrium, which includes a below-grade expansion, integrates the variety of activities at TSU within one dynamic space. All three levels can be seen in a single glance. At the same time, each floor retains a distinct character. The lower level offers a connection to the existing games, a bowling alley, and provides a maker space, while the second functions more like an extension of the TSU dinning commons, with glass on three sides its the place 'to see and be seen'. In between these two levels, students can study and socialize on the grand staircase, which features wood seating platforms. The second floor supports student government offices with the TSU Board Room as well as offer quieter collaborative areas.
The intent of the large roof canopy as well and the high level of transparency is to invite visitors and students to engage in the activities within. The transparency in the building design serves a secondary function, maximizing a connection with nature and the outdoors, while also reducing the need for energy consumption during the day. In addition, the new facade, with its deep roof overhang, reduces heat gain throughout the year. For a 40-year-old building, the TSU is now a model of sustainability.
