University of Illinois at Chicago -
Student Recreation Center
Chicago, IL
Year in Showcase: 2007
Project Description
A successful solution to the difficulties
inherent to urban facility
design is on display at the
University of Illinois at Chicago Student
Recreation Facility. With the building’s site
hemmed in by a major thoroughfare to the
west and an interstate freeway to the east,
148,052 square feet of activity space had to
be stacked vertically on three floors. One
judge called the appropriate scaling of the
building to both sides "thoughtful and
apparent," while the panel was also
enthusiastic about interior detailing that
includes glowing bridges and a glass-railed
stairway that graces the lobby.
Organized around an interior courtyard,
major activity spaces unfold in a
compellingly logical manner, with
patrons encouraged to journey into and
across thresholds, reinforcing the notion
of recreation as a celebration of movement.
Wall openings providing glimpses of
activity to observers reinforce the
movement theme. The smaller details
were attended to equally well, said one
panelist: "The subtle use of wood to
define places where one interacts is
handled superbly, and adds that touch of
warmth and tactile experience that
makes the facility inviting."
Judges' Comments
The use of opaque and solid surfaces at
street level and transparency at upper
levels works well as a solution to the
privacy challenges of this urban site.
— David Body
The building’s interior successfully links
stacked areas to make the recreation
center truly exciting. The transparency of
the facility, particularly at night, is dramatic.
— Erik Kocher
The designers did a nice job of scaling the
architectural expression that is appropriate
to both the street side and the freeway
side. The lobby is spectacular.
— Dave Hammel
Project Details
Architect of Record: PSA-Dewberry; Chicago, Ill.
Associated Firm
: Moody•Nolan Inc. - Columbus, Ohio
Aquatic Design Engineer
: Counsilman•Hunsaker - St. Louis, Mo.
Programming/Operational Consultant: Brailsford & Dunlavey - Washington, D.C.
Funded By: Student fees
Major Facility Components: Natatorium,
fitness center, multipurpose rooms,
climbing wall, gymnasium, track, racquetball
court, training facilities, locker rooms
Construction Cost: $26.2 million
Square Feet: 148,052
Occupancy: May 2006
Vendors
Access Ramps/Stairs:
Paddock Pool Equipment Co. Inc.
Basketball Backboards/Supports:
Porter Athletic Equipment Co.
Climbing Walls:
Entre Prises USA Climbing Walls
Dehumidifiers:
Dectron Inc.
Divider Curtains:
Porter Athletic Equipment Co.
Dryers:
Huebsch
Elliptical Equipment:
Precor Incorporated
Exercise Balls:
Thera-Band Products/Hygenic Corp.
Filters:
Neptune-Benson Inc.
Floor Finishes:
Robbins Sports Surfaces
Flooring, Aerobics:
Everlast Performance Flooring
Gutters:
Neptune-Benson Inc.
Handicapped Equipment:
Spectrum Aquatics
Heaters:
Neptune-Benson Inc.
Hydrotherapy Equipment:
Hollman Inc.
Ladders/Grab Bars:
Neptune-Benson Inc.
Lane Markers:
Dal-Tile Corp.
Lighting: Cooper Lighting
Lockers:
Hollman Inc.
Shower/Toilet Partitions:
Comtec Industries
Stationary Bikes:
Life Fitness
Strength Equipment:
Life Fitness
Stretching Apparatus:
Precor Incorporated
Surfaces, Basketball:
Robbins Sports Surfaces
Surfaces, Multipurpose:
Robbins Sports Surfaces
Surfaces, Track:
Robbins Sports Surfaces
Swimsuit Dryer:
Extractor Corp.
Treadmills:
Life Fitness
Volleyball Nets and Standards:
Porter Athletic Equipment Co.
Wall Padding:
Porter Athletic Equipment Co.
Washers:
Pellerin Milnor Corp.
