Southside Rec Center Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University has the largest student body in the State of Texas, with more than 69,000 students enrolled at its College Station campus. The new satellite recreation facility meets the school’s need for expanded recreation services and helps alleviate overcrowding in the main recreation center, while offering more student employment opportunities. 

The Southside Rec Center enhances the student wellness ecosystem by making recreation more accessible to the robust student population living in the 11 adjacent residence halls.

Large glass openings showcase the recreation program along the primary facade, drawing students into the activity. The sidewalk pulls the campus into the courts, lobby, strength and conditioning high bay, and dramatic outdoor fitness terrace. 

The simple parti consists of two high bay spaces (multipurpose courts to the north and a 100-by-200-foot strength and conditioning space to the south) that flank the central support “bar” of the main lobby, bouldering wall and locker rooms under the floating movement of the “white box” containing group fitness, offices and cardio mezzanines. 

This new facility blends elegantly with the campus vernacular. An existing row of live oaks was protected to frame a grand entry plaza on a main campus arterial street, with a crosswalk and pedestrian path to student residences. A perforated metal scrim along the facade mimics the expression of the oaks. High-performance glazing with ceramic frit patterns and perpendicular shading fins reduces heat gain in the hot Texas climate. An overhang on the south and west facades protects the glazing and provides shade. As a result, occupants enjoy natural light and pleasing views. Bioswales around the bike parking area gather water and distribute it to a detention area during the rainy season. Lush native planting around the building’s base controls rainwater runoff. All plantings, hardscape and exterior limestone were sourced within 100 miles.

Architect of Record

SmithGroup

Dallas, Texas

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