LSU Student Recreation Center

Baton Rouge, LA
Construction Cost: $2.8 million
Area / Square Feet: 13,900
Occupancy Date: May 2017

Napkin sketch

The LSU-shaped leisure pool was born from focus group efforts made during the project’s programming phase. Students ultimately voted and decided they wanted a leisure pool, in addition to fitness lap swimming, as a part of the aquatic programming at the new recreation center. The leisure pool was originally created on a napkin sketch by Laurie Braden, UREC director, which was then made a reality by the project’s designers.

Show your stripes

The acronym-shaped pool boldly communicates the university’s identity while connecting back to the materials, color palettes and finishes used throughout the renovated and expanded recreation center. Subtle tiger stripes accent the paving, and an outdoor oasis with lounge chairs and seating options creates a comfortable spot for students to socialize. The lap pools include deep water and shallow lanes. Deep-water lanes were specifically incorporated to allow programming for deep-water activities and education opportunities, including scuba diving instruction.

Led by students

The project was envisioned, inspired by and led by students. The design team worked closely with the student body to balance its desires with features that could be realized. What students came up with met a range of wants and needs. In addition to the LSU-shaped 8,500-square-foot leisure pool, the design incorporates two bubbler lounges, three stair entries, various spray features and an underwater bench. The 5,400-square-foot lap pool includes two end-to-end 25-yard, four-lane pools. The lap pool includes four stair entries, 1-meter diving and water basketball.