The Margot Connell Recreation Center is a truly unique facility, rooted in the tradition of Boston College’s collegiate gothic architecture and infused with leading-edge 21st century programming space and amenities. Standing four stories tall, the center is a beacon for the campus that redefines the future of fitness, recreation and wellness.
Balancing Boston College’s English Collegiate Gothic style with a future-focused program creates a destination that is appropriate for the campus and fuels exciting opportunities for the future. Gable ends are used on all primary facade corners to create visual interest and serve as focal points for campus wayfinding. A significant gable end structure is also used at the primary entry to create a focal point to lower campus and define an internal spine. A large two-story gothic arch made of cast stone and glazing creates a portal entry to the internal spine and introduces natural light to the interior. The spine is the primary circulation space for the building, offering opportunities for students to gather and interact outside of the activity spaces.
Activity spaces include a four-court gymnasium, an elevated jogging track, a three-court tennis center, squash and racquetball courts, a golf simulation, a group cycling studio and a three-sided climbing wall.
The building is having a significant positive impact. Data revealed a 25 percent increase in student recreation memberships and a 40 percent increase in activity and usage in the early weeks of the building’s opening semester.
RWJBarnabas Health Athletic Performance Center
