Montana State
University
Wellness
Center
The Marga Hosaeus Fitness Center has been remodeled and expanded to create a comprehensive wellness center that houses various departments from across the campus.
The recreational sports amenities now include a new gym, fitness area, climbing and bouldering facilities, a hybrid pool, remodeled group exercise spaces, locker rooms, and office functions. University Health Partners offers medical, dental, pharmacy, counseling, and health advancement services. The Health and Human Development department has provided new lab and office spaces. Additionally, a central student commons area has been established to unite all the building partners into one cohesive model, making this a convenient one-stop shop for wellness on campus.
In the spring of 2019, three primary gymnasium spaces at the Fitness Center were damaged beyond repair when the roofs collapsed under a heavy snow load. Thankfully, no one was injured during this middle-of-the-night structural failure, but the functional and programmatic impact of losing this space was significant. Following necessary forensic work, the impacted areas at the Fitness Center were cleaned up, and the area around it was made safe. Temporary replacement facilities (air supported structures) were set up and five months later, the remaining portions of the Fitness Center were reopened for use.
In September 2019, plans began for a new Wellness Center to serve MSU until 2040. The design team of MMW Architects and RDG Planning & Design was selected to create a best-of-class fitness and wellness facility.
The interior layout is designed to align with the program developed based on feedback from the building partners and the university. Recreational Sports and Fitness facilities are mainly situated on the east side. Additional gym and climbing space have been added to the existing building, along with renovated fitness areas, locker rooms, and office spaces. The Natatorium has been completely remodeled, including a new pool, roof, and interior amenities. The northwest corner addition houses Health and Human Development and some University Health Partners (UHP) on the first floor, with UHP occupying all of the second and third floors. The North Commons connects all building partners and their diverse programs that focus on campus wellness.
Circulation, lounge, and programmatic elements are arranged along this space ribbon to encourage holistic wellness and introduce folks to programs they might not have previously considered. The interior arrangements in all areas are designed to create a connection to the natural world. Whether through intentionally placed windows to facilitate views of the Bridgers or Tobacco Root mountains or natural materials that create warmth, comfort, and beauty, each design move is carefully considered to promote wellness.
The exterior design of the MSU Wellness Center unifies diverse uses into a cohesive building, conveying a message of togetherness while celebrating individuality. The material palette creates a warm, inviting, and bold contextual fit while pushing boundaries of innovative architecture on the campus of Montana State University. The massing combines the new with the existing and expanding student recreation center. These elements are connected through a vibrant indoor/outdoor communal area, creating a seamless and inviting flow.
The site draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape of Bozeman, Montana, focusing on natural hardscape materials and textures.
Designed for flexibility and incorporating a variety of seating spaces, students can use it for active outdoor recreation and passive social space.