Originally built in 1976, the Titan Student Union (TSU) on the California State University – Fullerton campus (CSUF) received its first major expansion in 1992, which brought the structure to 140,000 square feet. However, as the campus continued to see increased enrollment, the TSU needed a second expansion. Work began in 2015 and continued for 18 months. The PCL team was able to complete the comprehensive scope of work while keeping the building occupied, the schedule unchanged, and the budget met. 

From a design perspective, the TSU was a transformative addition to the campus architectural environment. Its prominent monument signage and iconic roofline gave the project an immediate identity as the campus’ most recognizable destination for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

The 27,000-square-foot addition to the TSU created a dynamic space that connects students to each other and the campus. The triple-height atrium integrates the various activities at TSU into a single space while maintaining a unique character for each of the three levels. The lower level offers access to games, a bowling alley, and a maker space, while the second level functions as an extension of the TSU dining commons, with a glass facade providing a unique viewing experience.

The grand staircase between the two levels provides students with a space to study and socialize. The second-floor houses student government offices and quieter collaborative areas. The large roof canopy and high level of transparency encourage visitors and students to engage in activities within the building while maximizing the connection with nature and reducing energy consumption. 

Construction on the expansion of the TSU was well underway in March of 2016 when the client advised PCL/Steinberg that the campus would also like to proceed with $4.0+ million dollars of HVAC modernization work within the existing and occupied TSU. The new scope would have to occur solely over the 2016 summer session and would have to be competitively bid, awarded, and designed prior to the start of the work. The PCL/Steinberg team accepted the challenge; expediting the design and bidding process and then ultimately procuring equipment so that the on-site work could get started as quickly as possible after the contract was awarded. To enhance coordination with building users, who were planning staff relocations during construction, PCL developed daily detailed schedules showing exactly which rooms in the existing building the mechanical, electrical, fire sprinkler, and ceiling subcontractors were working. These plans were quickly revised to adapt to changing CSUF requirements when necessary. Ultimately PCL/Steinberg was able to successfully execute the HVAC modernizations by the required completion date of August 2016.

The TSU expansion project was awarded in November 2014 with contractual completion in Spring 2017. The original project schedule comprised producing a complete set of construction documents that would be approved by third-party agencies and then the State Fire Marshal, a process that could take up to a year to complete. PCL, its design partners, the University construction department, and the various approval agencies met and determined that a phased approval process could be implemented allowing the demolition, excavation, foundation and basement structure to commence prior to the final State Fire Marshal review. As a result, construction began several months ahead of schedule in June of 2015. To ensure the earlier construction start resulted in an early completion, PCL, the design team, and subcontractors identified two key areas where there was a risk that procurement issues could push out portions of the construction. These key areas were identified as the exterior glazing system and the procurement of MEP equipment.  PCL’s design-build MEP partners identified the long lead procurement items (specifically AHU’s, light fixtures and a large horizontal fire shutter), prioritized these submittals, and implemented in-person submittal reviews for these critical items, ensuring that the equipment was procured to comply with the early construction start. The early start date and the proactive management of procurement risk with the exterior glazing and the MEP equipment allowed the student union to open in the Fall of 2016, a full quarter early.

The TSU project not only meets but exceeds energy efficiency standards. The perimeter glazing was specially tuned to address solar heat gain and glare. The large projecting roof of the expansion provides tremendous shade for the large atrium. One result of controlling natural light and solar heat gain is reduced HVAC loading and the minimal use of interior lighting during daytime hours. These factors contributed to the building surpassing the Owner’s target Energy Use Index by an impressive 70%, showcasing the team’s commitment to sustainable building.