University of Toronto Mississauga Recreation, Athletic and Wellness Centre
Mississauga, ON
Year in Showcase: 2008
Project Description
Praised by the judges for its abundant use of sustainable design strategies and its integration into the University of Toronto Mississauga campus fabric, the Recreation, Athletics and Wellness Centre was described by one panelist as resembling “a museum of recreation.” Designed as an addition to an existing athletics building, the facility features a unified exterior palette of large-format architectural block, pewter-colored aluminum paneling and clear glass that complement the materials of the original structure. Inside, bold colored glass and wood wall elements augment a signature concrete wall featuring playful apertures for viewing activities in the gym.
The facility maintains an overwhelming sense of openness and accessibility, with many of its spaces superimposed within a large, shared, three-story volume. A grand, slate-clad staircase rises through the heart of the facility, while large seating steps and generous landing areas encourage students and faculty to slow down, interact with each other and take in the various activities around them.
Judges' Comments
A lively "staircase" building of green roofs, skylit spaces and well-utilized colors and materials.
— Mark Bodien
Well-organized plan. Incorporates sustainable elements very well into the exterior skin and massing.
— Philip Laird
Impressive use of green roofs that not only contribute aesthetically, but are integral to the building’s amazing 55 percent energy savings.
— John Kane
Project Details
Architect of Record: Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners; Toronto, Ont.
Major Facility Components: Gymnasium, jogging track, natatorium, fitness center, fitness studio, sports medicine suite
Funded By: University funds, student fees
Construction Cost: $24 million (Canadian)
Square Feet: 73,000
Occupancy: July 2006
Vendors
Access Ramps/Stairs:
Myrtha Pools USA
Basketball Backboards/Supports:
Porter Athletic Equipment Co.
Bleachers/Grandstands: Sheridan Gymnasium Equipment Ltd.
Bulkheads:
Myrtha Pools USA
Chemical Control Systems:
CAT Controllers Inc.
Divider Curtains:
Qued, Div. of Seaway Mats Inc.
Dryers: Ipso Usa
Elliptical Equipment: Precor Incorporated
Exercise Balls:
Life Fitness
Filters:
Nemato Corp.
Floor Covers:
Covermaster Inc.
Flooring: Dal-Tile Corp.
Flooring, Aerobics:
Mondo
Flooring, Fitness Center:
Mondo
Free Weight Equipment: Hammer Strength
Gutters:
Myrtha Pools USA
Handicapped Equipment:
RehaMed International LLC
Ladders/Grab Bars:
Myrtha Pools USA
Lane Markers: Anti Wave V.I.P.
Lockers: Hadrian Inc.
Rehabilitation/Testing Units: Woodway
Rowers:
Concept2 Inc.
Scoreboard/Timing Systems:
Daktronics Inc.
Scoreboards/Timing Systems: Nevco Scoreboard Company
Shower/Toilet Partitions: Bobrick Washroom Equipment Inc.
Stair Climbers: Freemotion Fitness
Starting Blocks:
Myrtha Pools USA
Stationary Bikes:
Life Fitness
Strength Equipment:
Atlantis Inc.
Strength Equipment: Freemotion Fitness
Strength Equipment:
Life Fitness
Strength Equipment:
Nautilus Inc.
Surface: Dal-Tile Corp.
Surfaces, Basketball:
Robbins Sports Surfaces
Surfaces, Track:
Robbins Sports Surfaces
Swimsuit Dryer:
Extractor Corp.
Treadmills: Woodway
Volleyball Nets and Standards: Spieth Anderson U.S.A. Inc.
Washers: Ipso Usa
