The plan for this facility developed around the merger of complementary health services; a fitness club partnering with rehabilitative modalities; and a full spectrum of outpatient and immediate care services. A contemporary design carried throughout the building provides a cohesive look appropriate both to energize fitness center users and to relax and restore health to patients. A neutral color palette incorporating accent colors of deep teal and copper tones reflects natural hues indigenous to West Texas.
The south curtainwall and main entry employ continuous exterior sunshades and expansive roof overhangs to block the high sun in the hot months, while permitting light from the low sun in the mild and cooler months. Similarly, the western facade employs a barrel-vaulted overhang and frosted glazing to temper the sun inside the natatorium volume. The exterior pipe-strut supports at overhangs and roof canopies is a common design element throughout, reminiscent of regional vernacular architecture that might be seen, for example, in traditional train depots.
Local brick and fieldstone, aluminum and glass curtains, stucco and profiled metal siding help to differentiate the exterior volumes and reduce the scale of the building. Exterior lighting accentuates the sloping column struts at the entry and overhangs, and enhances the texture of the stonework and siding.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
