To maximize the impact of a modest space and budget, the addition to the Merritt Fitness Center and Klitzberg Pavilion was designed to wrap around the south end of an existing gymnasium. In contrast to the existing plain brick facade, the addition uses transparency to create a visual focus for this quadrant of the campus.
The fitness center’s first-floor weight room is visually and acoustically separated into two sides, one accommodating free weights most often used by McDaniel’s 24 varsity sports teams, and the other housing selectorized weight equipment more popular with general users. The second floor includes cardiovascular fitness and circuit training equipment, and offers dramatic outside views.
Between workouts and classes, students can gather in the first floor pavilion to watch televised sporting events, visit the multimedia McDaniel sports hall of fame or socialize in the café. This community atmosphere extends outside via a pedestrian plaza.
The exterior features an extensive glazed curtainwall that uses deep overhangs and sunshades to mitigate the sun’s glare. Dramatic piers of Indiana limestone, an iconic material used throughout the campus, solidly anchor the building. Interior finishes focus on school colors, while extensive use of wood, terrazzo and glass bring a high-end, hospitable feel to the space.
Aberdeen Aquatic Center
