Much has changed in the three decades since the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee opened its Klotsche Center as the primary facility for both intercollegiate athletics and student recreation. With growing demand for space dedicated exclusively to student recreation, UW-Milwaukee embarked on this 135,000-square-foot addition, The Pavilion, doubling the size of the original center.
The project presented several design challenges — the campus is in a fully developed urban area, making space a precious commodity. Additionally, the project site is surrounded on three sides by a state statute-regulated nature conservancy, further limiting the footprint. The design team ultimately developed the building and four levels of underground parking without adversely affecting any trees in the conservancy.
The interior design allows for ease of maintenance. Durable terrazzo floors, impact-resistant drywall and built-in solid maple benches are used throughout. A new central reception/control desk has visual accessibility to both entrances. Open-air bridges connect the two buildings, establishing clear sightlines and encouraging interaction.
Exterior materials pick up on the distinctive reddish/orange brick used in that quadrant of the campus. Flat-seamed copper panels blend with the dark brown mansard siding on the existing building.
California State University, Fresno Student Recreation Center
