The California Polytechnic State University recreation center strives to meet the evolving recreational, health and wellness needs of the campus population while relieving increasing demands on current campus recreation facilities. The project team worked collaboratively with the Cal Poly recreation, athletics and various academic departments — along with facilities and leadership teams — to create a building that will serve as a key tool in the recruitment and retention of future Cal Poly students.
The building offers a two-court gymnasium, a one-court multipurpose activity court, racquetball courts, exercise space, administrative offices and a running track that encircles the gym. Outside, a climbing wall, a large swimming pool, and volleyball and tennis courts enhance the recreation and campus culture.
Large glazed areas illuminate the building in the evening, displaying it as a hub of activity and maximizing glare-free natural light throughout the building.
The recreation center establishes a strong sense of arrival with significant views into the building and between activities. The facility is designed to achieve a minimum certification of LEED Silver and incorporates multiple sustainable strategies that include adjacency to public transportation and bike routes, indirect-direct evaporative cooling, aggressive water-saving strategies and a sustainable curtain wall.
Ultimately, the open space available for program functions is greater than the building’s actual footprint.