University Center

The UCen has been the recipient of many alterations and additions throughout the years. The original building was constructed in 1964, and was designed by the local Santa Barbara architecture firm Arendt, Mosher, and Grant. The three story building was placed alongside the campus lagoon, with ample seating areas and a large swath of green grass, giving students a respite from the hustle and bustle within the building.

The main entrance to the UCen faces Storke Plaza and Storke Tower, and contains the bookstore, Starbucks, and ample seating areas for individual and group study. Multiple hallways lead past administrative offices towards the main food court and The Hub concert venue. The lower level provides more food options, additional seating, conference rooms, and post office. Additionally, the UCen provides office space for the Associated Students Food Bank, Basic Needs Services, and the Community Housing Office.

An addition to the original building in the early 1990s created space for the Corwin Pavilion Event Center, an outdoor plaza, and an additional stand-alone building housing the Associated Students offices, Graduate Student center, and the MultiCultural Center and Theater. Corwin Pavilion is a large, flexible event space which can be rented for department and external events. And the plaza is utilized throughout the year for conference lunches, career fairs, and other social gatherings.

UCSB Campus Architecture Website, Accessed May 19th 2021. http://www.adc-exhibits.museum.ucsb.edu/exhibits/show/ucsbcampusarchitecture/earlyhistory.