Recreation Center -
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, Mass.
Year in Showcase: 2012
Project Description
Despite its bucolic location, UMass Amherst has relatively little high-quality outdoor space offering opportunities for relaxation, informal recreation and socializing. The planning of the building therefore centers on a public concourse that extends through the building and reaches out to the east in the form of a new landscaped quadrangle, the creation of which reflects the university’s commitment to create a pedestrian-friendly campus.
Familiar red brick on the building’s exterior contrasts with the machined crispness of aluminum shading devices and wide expanses of glass. The brick, which relates to the adjacent Mullins Center and many older buildings on campus, is detailed with deep reveals at openings to emphasize its solidity. Each elevation relates to its particular conditions.
The interior is characterized by an abundance of natural light, and by the openness of the spaces that provides visual connections throughout the building. At its heart is the concourse. More than just a pedestrian route, this is a social space, with a café and seating areas, and an amphitheater at the main stair designed for both informal and programmed events. Overhead balconies at the cardio area and a glass wall at the gymnasium provide views into activity areas from the concourse.
Judges' Comments
Project Details
Architect of Record: Sasaki Associates Inc.; Watertown, Mass.
Construction Cost: $38 million
Square Feet: 120,000
Occupancy: September 2009
Vendors
Basketball Backboards/Supports: Jaypro Sports Llc
Cardiovascular Equipment: Life Fitness
Cardiovascular Equipment:
Technogym USA Corp.
Divider Curtains: Jaypro Sports Llc
Dryers: Unimac
Floor Covers:
Connor Sports Flooring
Flooring: Dal-Tile Corp.
Flooring, Fitness Center:
Mondo
Free-Weight Equipment: Iron Grip Barbell Co.
Free-Weight Equipment:
Technogym USA Corp.
Multipurpose:
Connor Sports Flooring
Scoreboards/Timing Systems: Nevco Inc.
Shower/Toilet Partitions: Santana Products Inc.
Strength Equipment: Life Fitness
Strength Equipment: Pro Star Sports Inc.
Track:
Mondo
Volleyball Nets and Standards: Sports Imports (Senoh)
Wall Padding: Jaypro Sports Llc
Washers: Unimac
