University of Toronto–Mississauga Campus, Recreation, Athletics and Wellness Centre

Mississauga, Ontario

Firm

Shore Tilbe Perkins and Will

Client

University of Toronto, Mississauga Campus

Area

73,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$17,600,000

Completion Date

05/2007

The Recreation, Athletics and Wellness Centre is designed as an addition to the existing athletics department at the University of Toronto Mississauga. The program of the facility includes a large double gym, aquatics center, fitness areas and running track, as well as various ancillary and support spaces, including administrative offices, a sports-medicine clinic and various change rooms.

An important goal of the design was to foster an increased awareness of the university’s athletics department, which up until then had been an underutilized and virtually invisible part of the campus. Situated adjacent to the existing South Building, the center attempts to capitalize on its connection to this building and the surrounding campus. The design seamlessly brings together the athletic functions with the more social and academic pursuits of the larger campus.

A grand staircase running through the heart of the new facility underlines this goal in inviting students and faculty through the building from various parts of the campus. This feature addresses the larger context in establishing a new campus thoroughfare, with large seating steps and generous landing areas, encouraging users of the building to slow down and take in the various activities around them, while interacting with others.