UCLA Ackerman Union

UCLA Ackerman Union is a student union building located at the University of California, Los Angeles, serving as a central hub for student activities, events, and services. The building is named after William Ackerman, a former Regent of the University of California, and has been a vital part of the UCLA campus since its completion in 1964, designed by renowned architect A. Quincy Jones. The union is situated near the Janss Steps, Pauley Pavilion, and Dickson Court, making it a convenient gathering spot for students, faculty, and staff from various departments, including the UCLA School of Law, UCLA School of Public Health, and UCLA College of Letters and Science. The building has undergone several transformations over the years, with input from UCLA Student Union, UCLA Administration, and Associated Students UCLA.

● History

The history of the building dates back to the early 1960s, when Chancellor Franklin D. Murphy and the UCLA Administration recognized the need for a central student union. The project was made possible through the efforts of Regent William Ackerman, who played a crucial role in securing funding for the construction of the building. The building was designed by A. Quincy Jones, a prominent architect known for his work on Eichler Homes and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The construction of the building was completed in 1964, and it was officially dedicated on October 22, 1964, with attendees including Governor Edmund Brown Sr., Mayor Sam Yorty, and UCLA Chancellor Franklin D. Murphy. Since its opening, the building has hosted numerous events, including concerts featuring The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin, as well as speeches by notable figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Robert F. Kennedy, and Cesar Chavez.

● Architecture

The architecture of the building is a testament to the Mid-Century Modern style, characterized by its use of glass, steel, and concrete. The design of the building was influenced by the work of Le Corbusier and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and features a unique blend of Brutalist and International Style elements. The building's façade is adorned with a mural designed by Josef Albers, a renowned artist and former Black Mountain College instructor. The interior of the building features a large atrium, which provides natural light and serves as a central gathering space for students, faculty, and staff from departments such as the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television, UCLA School of Engineering, and UCLA Graduate School of Education.

● Facilities

The building offers a wide range of facilities, including a food court featuring restaurants such as Subway, Starbucks, and Jamba Juice. The building is also home to the UCLA Store, which offers a variety of UCLA Bruins merchandise, as well as a bank, a post office, and a travel agency. The building's lower level features a game room with pool tables, foosball tables, and video games, while the upper level features a lounge with comfortable seating and study areas. The building is also equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and wireless internet, making it an ideal location for events and meetings hosted by organizations such as the UCLA Student Union, UCLA Alumni Association, and UCLA Foundation.

● Services

The building provides a variety of services to students, faculty, and staff, including event planning and catering services through UCLA Catering and UCLA Conference Services. The building is also home to the UCLA Student Union office, which offers student organization support and leadership development programs. The building's information desk provides directions and information on campus events and activities, including those hosted by the UCLA Center for the Art of Performance, UCLA Hammer Museum, and UCLA Film and Television Archive. The building is also equipped with ATMs and vending machines, making it a convenient location for students, faculty, and staff from departments such as the UCLA School of Nursing, UCLA School of Dentistry, and UCLA Fielding School of Public Health.

● Events

The building hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including concerts, comedy shows, and speakers. The building's grand ballroom is a popular location for weddings, galas, and award shows, and has hosted events such as the UCLA Film Festival, UCLA Music Festival, and UCLA Dance Festival. The building is also home to the UCLA Cultural Affairs Commission, which hosts cultural events and exhibitions featuring artists such as Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Frida Kahlo. The building's outdoor plaza is a popular location for rallies, protests, and demonstrations, and has hosted events such as the UCLA Earth Day Festival, UCLA Pride Week, and UCLA Welcome Week.

● Renovations

The building has undergone several renovations over the years, including a major renovation in 2004, which added new facilities and amenities such as a fitness center and a meditation room. The renovation was designed by Gensler, a renowned architecture firm, and featured sustainable design elements such as energy-efficient lighting and recycled materials. The building is currently undergoing another renovation, which will add new event spaces and dining options, as well as improve the building's accessibility and sustainability. The renovation is being led by UCLA Facilities Management and UCLA Capital Programs, and is expected to be completed in the near future, with input from UCLA Student Union, UCLA Administration, and Associated Students UCLA.