Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Texas A&M University: Student Recreation Center Expansion and Renovation

  • 05/01/18
Texas A&M University

PHOTOS © ZAC SEEWALD

The Texas A&M Student Recreation Expansion and Renovation project added 100,000 square feet to an already significant building footprint (290,000 square feet) for a growing student population in College Station, TX.

Marmon Mok Architecture, who specializes in campus recreation building design, implemented the following strategies, and more, in the design of the expansion and renovation of the Recreation Center, also originally designed by the firm: High use/low cost, quality space to lead the market, and connecting inside and outside.

High use means all activity spaces are multifunctional. Economic sustainability resulted from providing each space with the capability to accommodate general recreation activities, fee-based recreation activities, and rentals for special events.

Low cost of operation resulted from long-lasting building systems, materials, and equipment; reduced energy costs; and strategic positioning of staff and multi-purpose space to build less space and reduce staff cost.

Quality space incorporates movable walls for flexibility, technology for user instruction and presentation, daylight, and user controls for air and light, views, and air quality. Expansive windows, clerestories, and translucent walls produced abundant natural light and inspiring views throughout activity spaces.

The 10,000-square-foot terrace to the north is complete with a shade canopy, planters, an outdoor kitchen, and a commanding view of Kyle Field. Multiple balconies at multipurpose rooms to the south overlooking the baseball stadium outfield have become the new “Aggie Alley” on game day.

Additional program: weight room expansion (doubled); eight-lane lap pool, four multipurpose group exercise rooms; boxing and combatives room; double basketball court/soccer gymnasium.

The project received the NIRSA Outstanding Sports Facility national award from the National Intramural & Recreational Sports Association at the 2018 conference.

This article originally appeared in the College Planning & Management May 2018 issue of Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • Minnesota Middle School Finishes $23.5M Addition and Modernization

    Highland Park Middle School in St. Paul, Minn., recently announced the completion of a $23.5-million addition and remodel project, according to a news release. Saint Paul Public Schools partnered with ATS&R Planners, Architects & Engineers for its design and Kraus-Anderson for its construction.

  • Utah Valley University Opens New Engineering Building

    Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, recently held a grand-opening ceremony for the new Scott M. Smith Engineering Building, according to a news release. The facility is one of the largest engineering buildings in the state at almost 200,000 square feet, and it plays home to the university’s Smith College of Engineering and Technology (SCET).

  • Pitzer College

    Designing for Change in Higher Ed Learning Environments

    Higher education will continue to evolve, and learning environments must evolve with it. By prioritizing adaptable infrastructure, thoughtful reuse, strong energy performance, and wellness-centered design, campuses can create spaces that support learning today while remaining flexible for the future.

  • Texas State University Completes Stadium Renovations

    Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, recently announced that it has completed a series of additions and renovations to its football stadium, according to a news release. Formerly known as the Bobcat Stadium End Zone Complex, the Johnny and Nathali Weisman Football Performance Center is an 85,000-square-foot expansion featuring hospitality spaces, banquet spaces, exterior concourses, and upgrades to the field house.