Twilight view of the UC Riverside Bell Tower rising above trees, with a large 'UCR' letter sculpture and 'UC Riverside' banner in the foreground, as students walk down illuminated steps.

Riverside, California

University of California, Riverside

Learning That Inspires
Confidence & Momentum

Project type

Placemaking Design Environmental Graphic Design

Project sector

Education Design Food & Beverage

Project info

Client University of California, Riverside

Landscape CannonDesign

Guiding the campus journey with clarity & character

At UC Riverside, RSM Design partnered closely with the university’s development team and student community to reimagine the student commons as a hub for connection and activity. Through a collaborative design process, the team sought to transform the space into more than just a place to pass through, envisioning it instead as a central gathering point that inspires students to come together, engage, and thrive.

By thoughtfully integrating wayfinding elements, environmental graphics, and bold campus branding, the new design enhances both functionality and identity. The refreshed commons now fosters a sense of belonging, supports student productivity, and amplifies the unique spirit of UC Riverside; creating a dynamic, student-centered environment that elevates the campus experience.

Large orange 'HUB' letter sculpture with 'Highlander Union Building' signage mounted on a brick tower, in front of a busy campus courtyard with orange umbrella-shaded seating, palm trees, and students walking between buildings.
Curved concrete building exterior with a 'Lounge' sign above glass doors labeled 'Transfer & Commuter Student Lounge,' bulletin boards covered in flyers to the right, and two students walking past on the sidewalk.
Brick building corner with a circular fork-and-plate icon above a bulletin board of flyers, and vertical 'HUB Dining' text on a glass entrance to the right, as a student walks past in motion blur.

A campus hub to refuel, unwind, or power through late-night study sessions.

Busy campus sidewalk beneath a brick building with a shopping cart icon sign and 'ASPB' storefront signage, students walking past a scooter and recycling bin under blue awnings.
Glass entrance to 'Student Life' with large vertical text on the window and a blue hanging sign, as a student walks along the covered walkway outside.

An innovative and exciting space where the students can hang out and productively use all the resources that are available to them on campus.

Automatic glass door with 'HUB' lettering and building policy signage, as blurred figures walk past in the foreground.
Covered walkway between glass-walled buildings with a red 'To Costo Hall' directional sign overhead, as a person skateboards through the passage and another walks toward the camera.
Red directional wayfinding sign listing student resource centers including Women's Resource Center, LGBT Resource Center, Asian Pacific Student Programs, Native American Student Programs, and Hillel, beside a stairway and a smaller wall-mounted sign for Chicano, African, and other student programs, as a person walks by.
Covered campus walkway with red directional signs pointing to Coffee Bean, Latitude 55, and Campus Store, blue 'Student Life' and 'Senate Chamber' hanging signs to the left, and a student walking past in motion blur.
Silver directional pylon sign with a right-pointing arrow listing 'Arena, MAC Gym, SRC North, SRC South,' positioned in front of a modern building with a slatted metal facade under a blue sky.

See more of our work at UC Riverside.

Project

UC Riverside Recreation Center
Woman doing an ab exercise on a blue mat in a gym area beneath a vertical 'Fitwell Services' sign, with foam rollers racked on the wall and a stretching mat nearby.
Twilight view of the illuminated Highlander Union Building with a large orange 'HUB' letter sculpture, its outdoor patio filled with orange umbrella-shaded tables where students sit, and palm trees in the foreground.

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