Wildcat Student Life and Athletics Center - Johnson & Wales University

North Miami, Fla.
Construction Cost: $6.8 million
Area / Square Feet: 35,000
Occupancy Date: February 2012

Johnson & Wales, a private South Florida university, required a new facility to accommodate the needs of its students and the community. The programmatic goal of this building was to house many of the student extracurricular activities and to become a key cornerstone of the “Center of Campus” and act as the hub for student-life activities.

The Student Activity Center is composed of an enclosed and air-conditioned gymnasium for indoor sports and activities, providing seating for 850 spectators. It is accompanied by administrative and support areas, including locker rooms, fitness areas, student event spaces, administrative offices and conference rooms.
The interior concept of the building was designed to reflect the lifestyle of the 21st century student, as well as the sports-related building program. Flowing forms and modernist elements help to create a space that’s both dynamic and functional. The design team worked diligently with the building owner, consulting engineers and general contractor to utilize materials, techniques and equipment that demonstrated the university’s commitment to creating a sustainably built facility.

The use of environmentally sensitive materials and striking daylight techniques create a strong connection with the exterior environment.