Student Union

At the time of its completion, the Student Union was the largest construction project in UT Knoxville's history, replacing the small, original university center designed by Barber McMurry in 1954.

The design organizes the massive Student Union around major circulation routes into and through campus, defining routes around "campus living rooms" and other major programmatic elements. The building's primary mass fronts Cumberland Avenue, acting as the front door of the facility. The secondary mass extends toward Neyland Stadium, defining one edge of a pedestrian plaza.

Multi-story atriums flood the building with natural light. In one atrium, a two-story torch sculpture — featuring hand-blown glass flames from Knoxville's Pretentious Glass Company — calls to mind the University's torchbearer. The building's interiors are carefully curated to reflect the UT's culture, brand and history.

The Student Union, designed in joint venture with McCarty Holsaple McCarty, houses the campus bookstore, dining facilities, coffee and snack shops, recreation area, a 1,000-seat auditorium, ballroom, multiple conference rooms, student services, and administrative offices.