Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Student Union

elite|studio e was asked to refresh the 2,800 SF student union after completing the Russell Sage dining hall in RPI. New finishes were chosen and the entire look of the space was updated. The college wanted to include retail concepts in this area, so our team worked with the management teams of Jimmy John’s and The Halal Shack to ensure that the branding for each company was accurate and precise.

This project had to be completed within a very tight timeline, opening in time for the fall semester, so it was critical that communications were clear. The elite team was responsible for coordination between all parties to guarantee that each task was finished on time. Our designers were restricted to designing the space within the existing footprint, which required them to fit all the necessary new equipment for each station into the designated areas and keep an efficient flow of students.

RPI also wanted to add a convenience store concept directly next to the retail concepts. Our team succeeded in creating an adjacent section providing the students with a grab & go option and a juice bar that is separate from the sit down and retail areas, but close enough that it is still accessible for students.