Recreation center targets student health, earns LEED Platinum

Not only is the student recreation center at the University of Arizona, Tucson, the hub of student life but its new 54,000-sf addition is also super-green, having recently attained LEED Platinum certification. Passive solar orientation, programmed outdoors spaces, daylighting strategies, and indoor environmental quality controls are some of the facility’s sustainable features. Designed by Sasaki, in collaboration with M3 Engineering, the expansion houses the center’s primary fitness center, a multiuse gymnasium, and the outdoor adventure area, which occupies the space between the existing facility and new addition. The outdoor area is framed by two intersecting roof elements and features a rock climbing wall, sand volleyball courts, and outside fitness areas.