In response to a student-led campaign for the renovation and expansion of the University of Florida (UF) campus union, we partnered with the university to create a sustainable, functional addition that meets student needs and incorporates strong elements of the university’s brand identity into its design. Influenced heavily by input from UF scholars and leadership, the addition includes meeting rooms, lounges, dance rehearsal studios, a ballroom, and office space for several departments, clubs and organizations.

The renovation portion of the project focused on the restoration of exterior surfaces and structural components, replacement and upgrade of electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, and upgrades to interior finishes and lighting. To align with the university’s commitment to a carbon-neutral campus by 2025, the plan includes a rigorous recycling program, high-efficiency fluorescent lighting, low-flow fixtures, high-efficiency equipment, rapidly renewable sourced supplies and a green housekeeping program.

In a nod to UF’s beloved mascot, the American Alligator, the new structure incorporates design elements inspired by the patterns, colors and textures of the gator’s scales, tail and underbelly—making the Reitz Student Union “uniquely UF.”