Partnered with Whatcom Community College staff and students to create a new pavilion and student recreation center. All renovations and 22,000 square feet of new construction were designed to foster university community and create a welcoming gathering place on campus.
Created a much-needed fitness facility for more than 6,800 students who formerly shared a 600-square-foot gym. The project is anything but a typical, “big box” gym. Instead, the Pavilion and Rec Center are customized to student needs and university character.
Encouraged student community by surrounding the lower level’s “pit” – the fitness area housing strength training equipment and cardio machines – with comfortable gathering spaces and a juice bar.
Complemented the raw, open vision for the space by exposing structural elements including long-span trusses, connections, framing schemes and concrete walls. This required careful collaboration with the architect to ensure exposures and final details fit within the architect’s vision.
Created a thoughtful framing system that works naturally with the curved shape of the building, accommodating complicated geometries.
Designed an elevated track supported by a system of cantilevered trusses, then ensured that the floor didn’t bounce like a trampoline using high-end analysis and detailed vibration design.
Understood the function of each area, from the running track and weight lifting room, to the fitness studios and locker rooms, committing to an intelligent, practical use of space throughout.
Photography (c) Lara Swimmer 2016 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
