The University of the District of Columbia’s (UDC) Student Center, completed in 2016, is an 86,500-square-foot, $63 million facility that serves as a gateway to UDC’s Van Ness campus and embodies a commitment to sustainability and design excellence. Combining 76,000 square feet of new construction and 10,500 square feet of addition and infill construction, the LEED Platinum-certified project features environmentally responsible elements like rain gardens, bio-retention facilities, photovoltaic panels, and geothermal systems that enhance energy performance. Reinforcing sustainable design principles, a 20,000-square-foot green roof supports urban agriculture and stormwater management.
Inside, the Student Center offers a welcoming area and information center, ballroom, student government hub, activity offices, and an assembly space that supports community engagement and student life. On-site restaurants add convenience for students, faculty, and the public.
Designed by Paola Moya, the project has won multiple awards, including the 2016 ENR Mid-Atlantic Award of Merit and the 2018 Brick in Architecture Award. The UDC Student Center is a model of civic projects, educational facilities, and award-winning design, contributing to the vitality of Washington DC.