France A. Cordova Recreational Sports Center Expansion & Renovation | Purdue University | West Lafayette, Ind.
The Cordova Center renovation effectively rights the wrongs of an original three-building complex by “adding on from the middle,” thus creating a central atrium with unified entry and greatly improving wayfinding once patrons are inside.
Diversity of architectural character is maintained within various activity spaces, or “neighborhoods,” but extensive use of interior glass greatly improves visual accessibility over the windowless interiors of the original complex. The neighborhoods serve to break down the scale of this enormous facility, while still allowing it to leverage a prime campus location.
“Expansion and renovation blend nicely with existing,” said one judge. “Seems like an entirely new center.”
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Judges’ Comments:
Slick, modern aesthetic within a Midwestern context.
— Bill Baker
The interior concourse is clearly defined. The amount of light that penetrates the interior is impressive.
— Erik Kocher
This project uses transparency as an effective way-finding strategy. Challenging transformation given the existing buildings and site considerations.
— Darryl Condon
ARCHITECT OF RECORD
Moody•Nolan | Columbus, Ohio
Cost: $73.5 million
Square Footage: 420,000
Funded By: Student fees
Major Facility Components: Gym, aquatic center, climbing wall, running track, fitness spaces, social and special event spaces
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More 2014 Facilities of Merit:
Auburn University Recreation and Wellness Center
Chinguacousy Sports Park Redevelopment
Cornell Community Centre & Library
Crisler Center Renovation & Addition -- University of Michigan
