Program / Scope:
The new program of 24,615 square feet includes large exercise / classrooms, a weight room, men's and women's locker rooms, team rooms, the physical therapy department, coach offices and faculty offices.

Budget / Cost:
The cost of the project was $7.1 M or $283.00 / Square Foot

Challenges / Characteristics:
There were three main challenges; (One) Transforming an old 1960's concrete structure into a light filled, legible building that would reflect the activity of a physical fitness and education facility. (Two) To stay within the structural up-grade requirement of less then five percent imposed by the Department of the State Architect DSA. (Three) To make this facility LEED Silver which will inform future developments on campus utilizing existing structures.

Design Solution:
The new renovation of the existing Gymnasium entailed the selective demolition of the existing facility down to its simple concrete structural shell and supports. The buildings original concrete base structure was retained and both a new upper level exterior envelope and a new interior layout were built to serve the buildings new role as a healthy and active athletic environment that is conducive to the physical program and emotional development of it's student athletes and educators.

The existing second floor skin of non-structural concrete panels prohibited any natural light and views of the athletic fields, campus and the distant city. The design intent was to introduce filtered natural light and clear glazing within the existing building structural configuration. To achieve this, the upper floor exterior panels were replaced with a light weight translucent panel system and full height, operable glazed window units in the classrooms and offices. These windows catch the prevailing breezes and assist in naturally ventilating the occupied and athletic spaces within the building.

The interior plan was re-configured to create a wide pedestrain concourse on both levels, enabling easy and clear access to all programmed spaces. This space is futher activated with skylights above, openings between upper and lower floors and interior windows. Skylights double as heat vents allowing the flow of air.

While the building utilizes performance glass and a combined active / passive cooling and heating system, energy is reduced while increasing light, views and comfort which provides a soothing environment. The building's carbon footprint is significantly reduced by leaving the existing poured concrete basement stem walls, useing passive and active cooling, 78% recycled materials and recycling the existing building concrete panels. The building is LEED Silver Certified.

The building becomes a physically active environment during the day and a light box exposing itself to the surrounding campus and cityscape at night. The old building now has a new life that is conducive to the physical and educational program now in use.