Washtenaw Community College, The Health & Fitness Center
Ann Arbor, Michigan
The Health & Fitness Center has been recognized as the first LEED gold-certified student health and wellness center. The newest building on the Washtenaw Community College campus is a tribute to the latest breakthroughs in sustainable design.
From the beginning, the design of the center emphasized creativity and sustainability. The design team addressed a long list of environmental challenges and set its sights on obtaining the highest possible certification.
The facility is built on the site of a former soccer field and just yards away from Huron River. Designers had few restrictions on their creativity; they focused on the main objectives set by the college: potential for the most green design practices possible; a sense of openness; a design that would be the campus centerpiece; and a functional facility that would promote healthful living.
The design team met those objectives and designed a stunning 76,000-square-foot facility that achieves LEED gold standards by incorporating many sustainable and renewable features throughout construction and interior design. All materials were selected in order to set a responsible and eco-friendly example that represents the awareness level of the college and greater Ann Arbor community.
This facility has two levels and an array of amenities, including state-of-the-art cardio and strength-training equipment; four group-exercise studios offering yoga, Pilates and spinning classes; a full-size basketball and volleyball court; indoor lap pool and warm-water therapy pool; full-service locker rooms; walking/jogging track; “Kids in Motion” childcare; a cafe; retail store; and classrooms for community meetings and events. The center also offers personal training and nutrition counseling.
The Health & Fitness Center is a unique facility providing fitness and health resources and services to students and staff, as well as residents of Ann Arbor.
Additional Information
Associated Firm
Bowers & Rein Associates
Cost per Sq Ft
$185.00
Featured in
2008 Architectural Portfolio
Category
Specialized
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