Power Center Duquesne University

When two acres of space near Duquesne University became available, university officials purchased the property and built the Power Center. This student fitness facility, named after Duquesne’s first president (the Rev. William Patrick Power), is linked to the rest of the university by a fifth-story skywalk.

Using indigenous materials of brick, glass and buff masonry units, the new building — which firmly anchors the north side of Forbes Avenue and balances an existing parking garage and bridge — also houses retail shops such as a Barnes & Noble bookstore and restaurants. Sunscreens on the south and west facades provide relief, and a fifth-level outdoor balcony provides fabulous views of the city skyline. Extensive use of glass visually connects the interior to the campus in an invigorating way.

Stained concrete floor patterns, angled canopies and specialty lighting denote the entrances to various facility elements. Recycled and recyclable materials were selected for use throughout the center, and specialty lighting was used to accent atriums and lounges. The project is registered for LEED Silver certification.