Brock University’s newly expanded athletic centre has won the NIRSA Outstanding Facilities Award for the Canadian Region.
Completed late in 2020, The Zone is a $7.39 million project that involved the renovation and addition of 16,250 square feet for the fitness centre, home to both elite training and everyday programs.
The design team was led by architecture firm mcCallumSather, and included consultants WSP and landscape architects TerraPlan. Aquicon Construction served as Construction Manager.
“We have had so much fun working on The Zone, especially because we know how meaningful the project is to this campus. What’s really exciting is that it reflects the University’s strong athletics culture and vision of its Student Union, who were very involved,” said Drew Hauser, Director of Design & Business Development at mcCallumSather.
The students’ vision for their expanded fitness centre included a transformed courtyard experience, replacing the heavy awning and closed-off space with a light-filled and vibrant space.
The double-height interior features a series of active mezzanines that boldly feature the campus colours and its mascot. A long turf section creates an area for walking, runs or sprints, and gives workout options with different training surfaces.
The centre also includes a multi-purpose space for TRX, heavy bags, plyo boxes and hurdles; cardio areas in the mezzanine that can be easily accessed without passing through the weight-training areas; a free weight area; and Olympic Lift, strength, and conditioning areas. Group fitness areas are more private, with a specialized spin studio and yoga studio. In the spin studio, the design incorporates a wood louvered wall system that allows light and connection into the space when open, and sound seclusion during spin class.
“The Zone expansion has quickly made the fitness facility an integral component of the student experience at Brock University, providing opportunity for physical, mental and personal growth,” says Asad Bilal, Brock University Student Union President.
The awards, part of a larger program that rewards all aspects of Collegiate Recreation Leadership and Promotion, recognizes excellence in the innovative designs of new, renovated, and/or expanded collegiate recreation and wellness facilities at NIRSA member institutions.
Officially announced at the beginning of March, the awards will be presented at a ceremony on March 29 in Portland, Oregon.
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