Eastern Florida State College
Melbourne, Florida

Eastern Florida State College’s 33,000-square-foot Student Union is the realization of a long-term vision — the create of a gateway building to transform the student and faculty campus experience.

BRPH carefully considered the facility’s design features and worked to create a vibrant and energetic space that would showcase student spaces and technology, promote collaboration, and facilitate recruitment and alumni events to encourage business partnerships. Campus leaders thought it was imperative to create a space that would allow students, faculty and the community to convene in a common meeting place.

To attract students, the program includes a One-Stop Shop that serves as an information desk for campus happenings and student events, four-unit food court, a full-service coffee shop, student and study lounges, student engagement zones and ample exterior plaza space to support these activities.

To draw in faculty and outside stakeholders, a new 250-person multipurpose room allows the campus to host keynote speakers, workforce development seminars, career fairs, technology showcases and fundraising events that link past, present and future students with the community at large.

One of the biggest and most welcoming features of the facility is its ample exterior space. Nestled between two existing buildings, the Student Union creates a new public entry onto campus, as well as a link to the existing campus. The plaza includes additional dining options, grassy areas for students to lounge between classes, tiered amphitheater seating which plays host to a variety of student activities, and a large hardscape area to accommodate campus events.