Place Riel on the University of Saskatchewan Campus is the campus’s front door and the home to the Student’s Union (USSU). This project includes a complete interior renovation of the existing Place Riel and a new four-storey addition to the north. The exterior design of the building makes a bold architectural statement on the campus while still being sensitive to the Collegiate Gothic Style of the U of S.

The lower level consists of retail spaces, a large food court, and office space for the International Student & Study Abroad Centre, a support network for international students. The main floor consists of the Student Union Reception and a large public concourse. The floors above contain the USSU offices and a new Student Health and Wellness Centre. SEPW provided project management and architectural services as well as interior design.

The four-storey expansion is located between the existing Marquis Hall and Murray Building. To retain natural light into the Murray Building while maintaining the required fire separation, a four-storey light well has been included.

The U of S students tasked the design team with making the project as environmentally sustainable as possible. The project received LEED Silver designation. Some of the green building initiatives used in the design include energy efficient mechanical systems, low or zero VOC emitting interior finishes, rapidly renewable and high recycled content building materials.