Photo credit: Jerry Grajewski
For the first time since 1988, a Canadian building has won the NIRSA Outstanding Sports Facility Award.
The Active Living Centre at the University of Manitoba was recently named the recipient. The awards, open internationally, recognize the innovative design of new, renovated or expanded collegiate recreational facilities. 
Designed by Cibinel Architects Ltd + Batteriid Architects, the Active Living Centre was noted by the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) as a facility that exemplifies excellence in a number of critical areas, including architectural design, functionality and how well the facility meets its intended purpose. 
Photo credit: Jerry Grajewski
As the keystone of the university?s Fort Garry Campus, the 100,000 square foot, LEED Silver targeted facility contains a 12-metre climbing wall, an elevated 200-metre running track and over 1000 pieces of free weights and accessories. A research centre, strength and conditioning facilities and three group workout studios complete the art facility. George Cibinel, the project?s Design Director, describes the facility?s importance to the campus and its relationship to the community.
?The project is located at the corner of University Crescent and Dafoe Road, across from the campus Welcome Centre, which is an important pedestrian entrance to the campus for people arriving by car or by bus. The mandate of the University was to take this opportunity to create a dynam...