Understanding the flow and dynamics of a campus, the paths of the student body, faculty and staff, and creating a space that attracts all is integral in designing a student union. The renovation and expansion of the existing Erb Memorial Union (EMU) took in account all of the above plus the fact that the existing building is in an optimal centrally located space.

University of Oregon’s focus on sustainability is evident in this LEED Platinum, 214,000-square-foot central hub. With multipurpose rooms, and numerous meeting rooms and space types including student lounges, a ballroom, auditorium, women’s center, childcare center, sports and activities rooms, stores, restaurants, a kitchen, dining room, and multicultural and LGBTQIA+ centers, this space truly embodies the variety and diversity of its community.

As the lead MEP design engineer Glumac provided Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing engineering for this complex renovation and addition.

Sustainable systems in the new addition included: radiant slabs, natural ventilation, active beams, passive beams, dedicated outside air, displacement ventilation, and a photo-voltaic array.

In the existing renovation, old constant volume air handlers were retrofitted to high-performance VAV systems or new VRF systems were designed in.

This successful renovation achieved its goal of attracting students, being a central resource space, and overshoot the original LEED Silver sustainability goal with a LEED Platinum certification.

Awards/Certifications

• LEED Platinum certified

Size: 214,000 square feet
Completion Date: 2017
Architect: SERA Architects
Owner: University of Oregon
Services: Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing

Photo Courtesy Peter Eckert