Weinstein Center for Recreation & Wellness Renovation and Addition University of Richmond

Richmond, Va.
Construction Cost: $10.3 million
Area / Square Feet: 73,000
Occupancy Date: January 2007

The new Weinstein Center for Recreation and Wellness is comprised of both extensive alterations to an antiquated practice gym and a major addition to the 9,000-seat Robins Center basketball arena. The mission was to create an open, inviting student recreation center that has a distinct and separate identity from the adjacent varsity athletic facility.

The exterior design focused on defining a visually strong entry that collects pedestrians entering from adjacent residence halls and an existing parking lot. To provide appropriate scale and identity, a gently arching Peristyle structure was employed to connect the wings of the L-shaped building footprint, which was dictated by site constraints. Additionally, the large gym and fitness spaces were detailed with expansive areas of glass curtainwall in a minimalist style. The design creates a simple background to the prominent entry while also providing abundant daylight, visual transparency to interior activities and views from interior gym and fitness spaces to a new entrance courtyard.

The entry leads into a welcoming lobby that is enhanced by bright colors and an abundance of natural light. The open and inventive floor plan makes functional use of circulation space that includes cozy, informal lounges located conveniently close to activity areas. From the central lobby, both staff and participants have views of, and easy access to, surrounding activity areas such as the natatorium, the gymnasium and fitness spaces. Staff offices and work spaces are strategically located throughout the building to provide views of the activity areas for supervision and security. An entire wall of 61-inch plasma screens and cardiovascular equipment equipped with internal or external transmitters are two highlights of the lower-level fitness center.