Arch2O.com

Arch2O.com - Architecture & Design Magazine
The project renovates and expands an existing aging facility to enhance student life on campus and promote healthy, active living. The existing facility housed a gymnasium and an underutilized arena. A campus survey indicated only one-percent of students used the ice and a need for more gymnasia, fitness, and social space. The redesign updates the existing gym adaptively reuses the arena with a new triple-gym and track, and a large student commons and classrooms at the second-level concourse. The new front addition contains a large welcoming reception, wellness center, therapy rooms, and student rooms, and second-level fitness center and multipurpose studios.
Photography: Shai Gil The original project brief called for the demolition of the existing arena with a new pre-engineered building to house student and fitness space. Planning research determined the existing double parabola roof complex could be repurposed at less cost with the former arena space adaptively reused for additional gymnasia. The main entry is reoriented to the campus, fronted by the new lantern-like addition of fitness and student programming, and a new student plaza connecting the new building to its campus. The new configuration retains the iconic form of the original complex while the expansion presents a new lighter face to the campus.
Before
Located on Conestoga?s Doon Campus in Kitchener, the revitalized recreation center reorganizes its...