Designing for belonging and play
Student Recreation Center - University of Louisville
Campus recreation centers have become social hubs on campuses nationwide. Students and faculty take advantage of the exercise, dining, programs, and gathering amenities these spaces offer. Because students are usually on the go, these facilities have become easy, one-stop destinations for socializing and exercising. Plus, the rec centers help participants improve their physical, emotional, and social well-being within a welcoming environment.
The University of Louisville aims to recruit and retain the best students. It also wants to be a leader in collegiate recreational sports and an advocate for lifelong wellness. Therefore, it needed a new recreational facility that could give it a competitive advantage. We collaborated with Cannon Design to design a new recreation center — a space to encourage socialization and healthy habits.
We kept the interior spaces flexible to accommodate the ever-evolving trends in recreation and fitness. The designated fitness areas include six gyms, a Multi Activity Court (MAC), strength training zones, group fitness and wellness studios, and an elevated jogging track. We ensured activities, including racquetball, squash, a sports club, and a fitness lab, were accessible to all. PE classrooms, locker rooms, and other support areas were also incorporated. A huge feature of the new structure is the sunset views from two vertically stacked 3-court basketball gyms.
Student safety was another design driver. The goal was to design a facility that affords students a safe and secure environment and conveys a sense of well-being. Careful placement of the control desk provides clear circulation and open sight lines, creating an environment that is easy to monitor. One highly visible and identifiable building entry was crucial for safety, especially at night. The combination of an open floor plan, minimal corridors, and natural and indirect lighting provides high visibility and connectivity throughout the building.
The UofL Student Recreation Center is a space for fitness and socialization, and a testament to the University's commitment to environmental responsibility. We achieved LEED gold certification by incorporating sustainable strategies, such as the geothermal well field, solar panels to power the hot water, and rainwater harvesting to capture, divert, and store rainwater for later use. These features reduce UofL's environmental footprint and provide a unique learning opportunity for its students.
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