A modern building with a glass and stone facade, featuring sharp geometric lines. Several people are gathered near the entrance of the University of Texas Student Activity Center, with a clear blue sky in the background.

Student-Driven Innovation

University of Texas Student Activity Center

Austin, Texas, USA

Empowering Student Voices: Redefining Campus Life and Community Engagement.

Client

The University of Texas System

Project Size

149,000SF

Completed in

2012

Associates

WTW Architects

At the heart of the University of Texas campus lies the Student Activity Center, a vibrant hub meticulously designed to cater to the needs and aspirations of the student body. From its inception, the center was envisioned as more than just a building; it was a collaborative effort between students and architects, resulting in a space that embodies the spirit of student-driven innovation and community building. With input from thousands of Longhorns, the Student Activity Center offers a diverse array of amenities, including a ballroom, auditorium, theaters, meeting rooms, and outdoor spaces, all designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and connection.

Anchored by principles of sustainability and inclusivity, the center seamlessly integrates with the campus landscape, providing students with both a physical space and a sense of belonging. As a bustling thoroughfare and gathering place, the Student Activity Center serves as a testament to the power of student voices in shaping the collegiate experience and cultivating a vibrant campus community.

Awards

2012 Association of College Unions International (ACUI) Facility Design Award of Excellence

2012 Outstanding Masonry Design Golden Trowel Award

2012 AIA Pittsburg Architecture Honor Award

2012 AIA San Antonio Design Citation Award

2011 Associated Builders & Contractors Central Texas Excellence in Construction Award

The Student Activity Center brought a sense of empowerment to our students. From the inception of the idea to the reality of the opening, students played a key role in what the building would be and what role it would play on our campus.

Crystal King, Former Director of the Student Activity Center

Buildings are not just destinations; they should be an active part of our daily lives.

Richard M. Archer, Overland Partners Senior Principal

The Color Inside James Turrell Skyspace, another OVERLAND project, on the rooftop of the Student Activity Center.

Let’s shape future generations together.

Media Inquiries