Omni Design provided architectural, civil engineering, and land surveying services for the redesign of the University Union Plaza at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. The project reimagined the central gathering space adjacent to the University Union, connecting the main plaza level to Building 19 – University Dining Hall – while creating a vibrant focal point for campus events and social interaction. Services included full design through construction administration, agency coordination with DSA and ADA compliance, and high-quality graphic presentation materials.

Key Features

• Zoned Activity Areas: The plaza was organized into four distinct zones, market/club, stage, café, and park, providing clear spatial definition for a variety of campus programming while maintaining intuitive circulation throughout.

• Accessible Level Changes: The design resolved complex grade transitions between the main plaza level and the University Dining Hall, providing an ADA-compliant and architecturally integrated connection between the two levels.

• Landscape & Gathering Spaces: Native vegetation and grassy terraces were incorporated to create inviting informal gathering areas, softening the hardscape and enhancing the campus environment.

Outcome

The redesigned University Union Plaza has become a central hub of student life at Cal Poly, successfully balancing active programming zones with casual gathering spaces. The project demonstrates Omni Design’s ability to coordinate complex multi-discipline work on an active university campus while delivering a space that enhances both accessibility and the student experience.