University of Iowa

Campus
Recreation &
Wellness
Center

Client
University of Iowa
Location
Iowa City, IA
Size
215,000 SF
Completion date
August 2010

This very tight urban site requires vertical stacking of recreation activities. Vertical openings within the building provide dynamic views and improve wayfinding. 

The concept of openness in the interior promotes social interaction and creates a user-friendly building. Views within the building, from the inside out and from the outside in, encourage use and exhibit the building's activities to passers-by. The building incorporates energy-efficient and sustainable concepts and materials. This project includes a climbing tower, jogging track, wellness center, fitness & weights, 50-meter competitive pool, diving pool with 10-meter platform, leisure pool, multipurpose gymnasium, spectator seating, group exercise areas, lockers and support spaces. 

Gymnasium with two basketball courts.
Awards
Gold Award — Education Division
IIDA Great Plains Chapter
2013
Outstanding Sports Facility Award
National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA)
2012
Honor Award
AIA Iowa Chapter
2012
Innovative Architecture & Design Award
Recreation Management Magazine
2011
Tile Letter Awards: for "River of Life" mosaic
National Tile Contractors Association
2011
Facility of Merit Award
Athletic Business Magazine
2011
Excellence in Concrete Award
Iowa Ready Mixed Concrete Association
2010