After two months of renovation work during the summer vacation, the Student u n i o n Building has been completely revamped. Revealed at the start of the fall semester, the newly renovated building was redesigned to offer comfortable lounge areas and improve facilities such as student council offices and club rooms. As this building serves as a central hub for Korea Aerospace University (KAU) students, expectations for the transformation are high. Let’s take a closer look at the major changes and student reactions.

○ Renovations on the 2nd and 3rd Floors: What’s New?

On the second floor, the layout has been significantly restructured. The former spaces — including departmental student council rooms, a women’s lounge, and a ping-pong area — have been replaced with a modern study lounge. Notably, the “Seung-Se Lounge,” funded by KAU alumnus Seung-Se Lee (Class of '80, Aviation Business), quickly became a popular spot among students during the first week of the semester.

This lounge offers group tables ideal for discussions as well as individual study seats reminiscent of a café. In addition, new multi-purpose and seminar rooms have been added to make collaborative assignments and research more convenient. The student council rooms, which were previously organized by department, are now grouped by college — including the College of Liberal Studies, College of Aviation Business, College of Engineering, and College of AI Convergence. These spaces are available not only for student representatives but also for general student use.

On the third floor, the space has been restructured to house 34 club rooms, media organizations, performance and sports practice rooms, the international student council room, and a shared storage area. The relocation of the athletic club rooms to the third floor freed up the second floor to better serve students. One of the most welcomed changes is the installation of air conditioning systems in all club rooms. Soundproofing has also been improved in performance-related rooms, and a new café-style lounge has been added near the eastern staircase.

○ New Look Inside and Out: Exterior Renovation

The renovation wasn’t limited to the interior. The Student u n i o n Building’s exterior — previously compared to dull 1990s government buildings — also received a bold upgrade. The new design features a clean gray base with accents of orange and blue, creating a fresher, more vibrant impression.

Practical upgrades were also made outside. The open-air theater between the Student u n i o n and the A300 airplane has been converted into a comfortable terrace space with tables, chairs, and a canopy. This previously underused area is now a pleasant outdoor spot for students and faculty to gather, significantly increasing the utility of campus space.

○ Surprise Makeover: Engineering, Electronics, and Science Buildings

Alongside the Student Union, the Electronics, Mechanical, and Science Buildings — long criticized for their outdated appearances — also received a surprise facelift. All three were repainted in a modern gray tone, matching the new Student u n i o n style. Additionally, a large "KAU" logo in navy, the university's official color, was added to the front of the Mechanical Engineering Building, creating a strong visual identity that pairs well with the nearby Hangtral Park.

The bulletin board area between the Electronics Building and Student u n i o n was also revamped. Previously a narrow and underutilized passage, it has been expanded into a more open plaza-like space. Students now have a reason to pause and check announcements, making the bulletin board a more effective communication tool — much like those in other universities.

○ What Do Students Think?

Students have largely responded positively to the renovation while offering constructive feedback. Jo Hyun-woo (Class of ‘23, Aviation Operation) shared, “Thanks to this beautiful renovation, I feel more motivated to study, and I’m proud to leave such a great facility to future students. I wish Korea Aerospace University continued success.”

His classmate Lee Dong-wook (Class of '23) added, “I used to find it inconvenient to walk all the way to the library during breaks. Now, with the new lounges on the 2nd and 3rd floors, it’s much more comfortable to relax or study after meals. I’m very pleased with the upgrade.”

Survey results showed an average satisfaction rating of 3.9 out of 5. Specific scores included:

•  -  Study Spaces (e.g., Seung-Se Lounge, Study Zones): 4.2

•  -  Interior Facilities (e.g., AC, blinds, soundproofing): 3.7

•  -  Additional Facilities (e.g., terrace near A300, bulletin board area, KAU logo): 3.9

Open responses highlighted positive changes such as a “brighter campus atmosphere” and “improved heating, cooling, and sound insulation.” However, some students also voiced concerns, including:

•  -  Reduced space for athletic clubs

•  -  Privacy issues due to too many glass walls

•  -  Inconsistent Wi-Fi in some areas

•  -  Lack of transparency in club room assignments

•  -  Smaller club room sizes and limited rest areas

Despite mixed opinions, most students appreciated the more pleasant and convenient environment. As long as student feedback continues to be taken seriously, the Student u n i o n Building is expected to become the heart of campus life at KAU.