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

  • UCF Modernizes College of Hospitality Management

    The University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla., recently completed a major renovation effort for the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, according to a news release. The project modernized 77,600 square feet worth of academic classrooms, teaching labs, and collaborative spaces to support both students and faculty.

  • Washington State University Debuts New Engineering Hall

    Washington State University recently celebrated a dedication ceremony for the new Schweitzer Engineering Hall on its Pullman campus in Pullman, Wash., according to university news. The facility measures 66,288 square feet, and its completion marks the first milestone in a larger university effort to modernize the engineering and design district.

  • R.I. District Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New Elementary School

    Cranston Public Schools in Cranston, R.I., recently announced the completion of Gladstone Elementary School, according to a news release. The 100,000-square-foot facility serves as a replacement for the 1950s-era former building, and it consolidates the student, faculty, and staff populations of Gladstone and Arlington Elementary Schools.

  • Montclair State University Debuts New VR Facility

    Montclair State University in Montclair, N.J., recently announced the completion of a new virtual reality learning facility developed in partnership with Dreamscape Learn, according to a news release. The 2,450-square-foot lab space is inside the College of Communication and Media building and will serve students pursuing careers in digital media, virtual reality, and content creation.