council for the buil t environment co...

COUNCIL FOR THE BUil T ENVIRONMENT

Co-Chairs: Dr. Carol A. Fierke, Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Jerry R. Strawser, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

April 18, 2019

MEMORANDUM

TO:

SUBJECT:

President Michael K. Young President, Texas A&M University

CBE Recommendation: Swimming & Diving Additions and Renovations

The Athletic Department desires to renovate existing space and construct additional space for the swimming and diving program. The additional space will be added onto the Student Recreation Center. The renovated space is located within the Student Recreation Center and is currently being occupied by the swimming and diving program. The Athletic Department has been planning these activities with the staff of the Recreational Sports Department and has received the approval to proceed with the proposed plans.

The Recreational Sports Department may be adding in some space to be renovated along with appropriate additional funding. This project was identified in the Athletic Department District plan and the Campus Master plan.

The request and the sub-council's reports are attached.

The Design Review sub-council (DRsc) reviewed the request from Athletics for additions and renovations to the Swimming & Diving area at the Student Recreation Center. The project was presented by representatives from Populous architects. The project is at I 00% Schematic Design.

The site is located on the north side of the Rec Center natatorium and project scope includes renovation and expansion of the north end of the natatorium and will include new men 's and women's locker room s, shared team room, a dryland training area, athletic training area, and general building storage. The gross square footage for the new addition is I 1,2 1 I with an additional 2,200 in renovated space. Add alternates include the coaches' offices and lockers, visitors ' locker room, and a scuba tank fill room. The project will improve the functional operations for staff, coaches, and athletes and will aid in recruiting.

The building footprint will extend to the north which is an existing parking lot. The primary entrance for Swimming & Diving faces the Rec Plaza, which will reinforce the plaza space and connect to the primary pedestrian pathways. A secondary service entrance will be located on the west side of the expansion.

Building massing responds to the Rec Center massing and building design has three main goals: to create an entrance that is visible from the Rec Plaza, to provide massing and materials that complement the Rec Center, and to create an identity for the Swimming & Diving program . Proposed materials include masonry, metal panels, perforated metal screen, insulated polycarbonate or frosted glass, bronze window frames , precast concrete, and more transparent glazing than existing building. The lobby is a two-story glazed tower, and the design team expressed the intent to use a clearer glass than the existing building for the new addition to provide greater visibility and adhere to the Campus Master Plan. This will also allow visibility into the

Jack K. Williams Administration Building, Suite 100 1248 TAMU College Station. TX 77843-1248 USA

Tel. +1 979.845.4016 Fax. +1 979.845.6994 httpi/cbe tamu edu/

April 18, 2019 CBE Recommendation: Swimming & Diving Additions and Renovations

lobby space and allow for the interior graphics to be showcased and provide the branding/storytelling desired by the occupants. The building massing takes its cues from the existing building in regards to its geometric shape and angling of roof slope. The design takes advantage of the roof slopes to screen rooftop equipment. Datum lines on the existing Student Recreation Center will be carried through into the exterior of the new addition to help address human scale as described in the Campus Master Plan.

The landscape design goals are to create continuity between the small plaza outside the Swimming & Diving entrance and the Rec Plaza, activate the ground plane and enhance the user experience, and improve mobility and site circulation . Planter beds will be located to the north of the expansion between the building and a single row of parking to expand the green space and reinforce pedestrian circulation . Included in the plan as an add alternate, the project includes an expanded sidewalk to improve pedestrian access from West Campus Garage. DRsc members discussed their preference to remove this single row of parking, for alignment with the Campus Master Plan directive to reduce surface parking, improve connectivity, reinforce landscape design and pedestrian circulation, and enhance safety between vehicles and pedestrians.

DRsc members discussed their concerns on the lack of differentiation between the primary entrance into the Rec Center and the new Swimming & Diving entrance and that it may not be clear enough to lead Rec users to the appropriate entrance (cannot enter through Swimming and Diving). Members discussed that the design team should explore a layered approach to solving thi s issue. This is in reference to building design, landscape design (plantings, seat walls, etc.), pathways/sidewalks, and wayfinding and signage.

Recommendation DRsc members voted to recommend approval of the request for additions and renovations to the Swimming & Diving area within the Student Recreation Center, with the following caveats:

Request that the design team address the concern of the entrance into the swimming & diving area reading as a primary entrance into the main facility. Project team should reevaluate how to differentiate between the Rec Sports portion and Swimming & Diving portion to create an appropriate hierarchy. Request reevaluation of the landscape plantings in order to reinforce the ground plane and the pedestrian passageways. Strongly recommend elimination of the row of parking spaces that are just north of the expansion site, as well as accepting the add alternate relating to the pedestrian connection, in order to meet the intent of the Campus Master Plan to reduce surface parking and reinforce pedestrian passageways. Request that signage (pedestrian-level directional) be added to the package as an add alternate as another means of aiding the pedestrian wayfinding; however, the primary solutions to wayfinding should be found in the landscape and hardscape design . Glazing material needs to be presented to the DRsc at I 00% Design Development as compatibility with existing Student Recreation Center glazing is required. Proposed location for donor signage must be presented to the DRsc for review and approval. Distinction and hierarchy will be necessary between the signage for the existing Student Recreation Center facility and the new addition. Further design details should be presented to the DRsc for approval at I 00% Design Development, in accordance with DRsc procedures. This presentation should include a review of exterior material samples as well as a more detailed landscape plan.

The Maintenance sub-council (Msc) reviewed the request from Athletic to renovate and construct additional space for the swimming and diving program . The addition will add approximately 13,000 gsfto the exiting

April 18,2019 CBE Recommendation: Swimming & Diving Additions and Renovations

Recreational facility. The additional square footage will be added to the SSC maintenance, custodial and landscape agreements. There were no major concerns from a maintenance perspective.

Recommendation The Msc recommends approval of the Athletics Swimming and Diving Additions and renovations.

The Technical Review Sub-council (TRsc) reviewed the request for the Swimming & Diving Additions and Renovations. The additional space will be added onto the Student Recreation Center. The Athletic Department has been planning these activities with the Recreational Sports Department staff and has received the approval to proceed with the proposed plans.

Recommendation The TRsc supports and recommends approval for the proposed request for the swimming & diving additions and renovations provided the following issues/concerns are addressed and funded:

Facility Services: The design team needs to ensure that the project does not increase the rate of storm runoff into local creeks. The project team should coordinate with Grounds Management for landscaping and irrigation concerns. The project team should ensure that the facility is designed to minimize, as much as practical, the effort needed for future maintenance. It is preferred that items requiring maintenance be easy to service, be easily accessible from ground or floor level , have generous clearances and be easy to isolate from energy sources with minimal impact to the rest of the facility. Elevated items requiring maintenance that are sources with minimal impact to the rest of the facility . Elevated items requiring maintenance that are difficult to service by ladder or lift should have permanent maintenance access platforms with permanent stairs or ladders, built-in fall prevention, and davits for hoisting parts and tools.

Utilities and Energy Services: • Acceptance from UES must be obtained during design and prior to any installation . Project

drawing reviews should be filtered through the UES Project Review team for prompt disbursement and turnaround . The Project review team includes individuals from multiple crafts such as BAS, Metering, Electrical, Plumbing, along with other areas of the UES team. On top of contacting Tech Services, please make sure to include the UES project review team as well: Tech Services - [email protected] / Project Review - [email protected] .

• If any utility system(s) will need to be modified or added to as part of the project, the project design team will need to follow the applicable TAMU Design Standards: https://uti I ities.tamu .edu/design-standards/ Any excavation or modification to the area will need to follow the policy for digging on

• campus: https: //util ities. tamu .edu/digging-campus/ • UES has identified utility conflicts within the area and look forward to working with the project

and design team to ensure that design standards are followed while allowing for a successful project

• The project and design team will need coordinate and work closely with Building Automation and Metering ([email protected]) to ensure proper system operation in regards to the submetering portion of the proposed space.

April 18, 2019 CBE Recommendation: Swimming & Diving Additions and Renovations

The CBE voted to recommend, with noted caveats, the President ' s approval of the request from the Athletic Department to renovate existing space and construct additional space for the swimming and diving program.

Carol A. Fierke Date Provost and Executive Vice President Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment

Approved:

~~er President

Attachment

Jerr R. Strawser Date Executive Vice Pres ident & Chief Financial Officer Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment

cc: Sub-Council Chairs, Council for the Built Environment Kevin Hurley, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Facilities and Construction

T E X A S A & M U N I V E R S I T Y

D E S I G N R E V I E W S U B - C O U N C I L P R E S E N TAT I O NF E B R U A R Y 2 0 , 2 0 1 9

S W I M M I N G & D I V I N G E X P A N S I O N

2

1. PROJECT OVERVIEW

2. SITE & CONTEXT DEVELOPMENT

3. BUILDING DESIGN

4. LANDSCAPE DESIGN

5. DISCUSSION

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

P R O J E C T O V E R V I E W

P R O J E C T S TAT E M E N TThe site for the new Texas A&M Swimming and Dive Expansion is to be located on the north side of the Student Recreation Center Natatorium. The project scope includes the renovation and expansion of the north end of the Natatorium and is to include program for new men’s and women’s locker rooms, shared team room, a dryland training area, athletic training area, and general building storage. Additional program for

coaches’ offices and lockers shall be provided as an alternate if budget permits. The design will not only greatly improve the functional operations for the staff, coaches, and student-athletes but also play a vital role in recruiting top-athletes across the world.

S I T E & C O N T E X T D E V E L O P M E N T

5SITE & CONTEXT DEVELOPMENT

A E R I A L H I G H L I G H T I N G T H E S I T E

S I T E

K Y L E F I E L DR E C C E N T E R

https://studentaffairs.tamu.edu/dennis-corrington/


O V E R A L L S I T E

S I T E

S T U D E N T R E C C E N T E R

O L S E N F I E L D

R E E D A R E N A

W E S T C A M P U SG A R A G E

G I L L I A M I N D O O R T R A C K S TA D I U M

K Y L E F I E L D

S U R R O U N D I N G C O N T E X T


WELLBORN RD

TRAIN TRACKS

OLSEN BLVD

P E D E S T R I A N T U N N E L

J O H N K I M B R O U G H B LV D

W E S T C A M P U S G A R A G E

S I T E

O V E R A L L S I T EM A J O R P E D E S T R I A N T R A F F I C

PRIMARY TRAFFIC


E X I S T I N G S I T E C O N D I T I O N SR E C C E N T E R A D J A C E N T T O T H E S I T E

R E C C E N T E R E N T R Y

V I E W T O K Y L E F I E L D R O O F T O P D E C K

R E C P L A Z A


E X I S T I N G S I T E C O N D I T I O N SE X I S T I N G B U I L D I N G O N T H E S I T E

E A S T O V E R A L L

W E S T


B U I L D I N G O R I E N TAT I O N

B U I L D I N G T O O R I E N T A L O N G E A S T - W E S T A X I S

Existing Parking Space

Existing Facility to be Expanded

V I E W T O K Y L E F I E L D P A R K I N G S P A C E

2.40M

367Acres

Athletics & Recreation By the Numbers:

opment

C A M P U S M A S T E R P L A N

The Swimming & Diving Expansion is strategically oriented to address the axial relationship between Reed Arena and Kyle Field and reinforce the user experience along this circulation path. The primary orientation addresses the open Rec Plaza with a transparent entry lobby that faces east.

Rec Plaza & to Kyle Field

Expansion Footprint

Reed Arena Open Space

(Future)

Referenced from Page 103 of the Campus Master Plan

I N T E G R AT I N G E X I S T I N G S P A C E & I N C R E A S I N G C O N N E C T I V I T Y


E N T R Y L O C AT I O N

M A I N E N T R Y N E A R P R I M A R Y P AT H W A Y & O P E N S P A C E / S E R V I C E E N T R Y T O T H E W E S T

Rec Center Main Entry

Rec Plaza

Pedestrian Pathway

Pedestrian Pathway

Secondary Entry

Main Entry

R E C P L A Z A

R E C C E N T E R E N T R Y E A S T W E S T

The main entrance for the expansion is oriented towards the Rec Plaza to strengthen the relationship between the main entry and the open plaza area. This location is the primary access point for pedestrian traffic from Pickard Pass and vehicular dropoff to the north of the Rec Plaza.

M A I N E N T R Y & S E R V I C E E N T R Y


B U I L D I N G M A S S I N G

M A S S I N G B A S E D O N S I T E C O N T E X T & P R O G R A M R E Q U I R E M E N T S

Entry Lobby / Hall of Fame

Swimming & Diving Plaza

Training RoomCirculation / Locker Rooms / Offices

P L A C E H O L D E R

The massing for the new Swimming & Diving Expansion directly responds to the context of the Rec Center massing. The roof line is sloped at the same angle as the skylight on the natatorium. The roof is designed so that higher portion of the roof is at the east end of the building to create hierarchy at the main entrance and engage with the open rec plaza. Programming

Program (Building Expansion) Summary

The information described on the following pages of this section illustrate the spatial requirements needed to fulfill the goals and objectives of the Texas A&M University regarding the development of the new Swimming & Diving Expansion project.

Renovation of Existing Space

The existing team locker rooms (i.e., rooms 190 and 193) are to be reused and expanded to accommodate the spatial requirements illustrated in this document (see page 48 & 55). Reusing the existing locker rooms maintains the direct adjacency to the pool deck which is a primary goal of the users. It is also expected that renovating and expanding the existing locker rooms will reduce overall costs versus constructing new in the expansion.

As Figure 37 illustrates the two existing team locker rooms and the adjoining corridor space comprises approximately 2,200 square feet space that is available for renovation. As stated, it is the desire to maintain the team locker rooms in these locations although greatly expanding them as directed in this document. It is also the desire that the renovated space integrate seamlessly with the new construction such that all spaces discussed in this project are one design.

Pool

Deck

Edge ofpool

Figure 39: Facade to be Expanded

Figure 36: Building Spatial Summary

Total Area

Team Areas 7,408Athletic Training Area 1,850General Support 800

10,058Non Assignable Space 75% 3,353

13,4112,200

11,211Expected Renovated Area

Expected New Construction

Total Projected Gross Sq. Ft.

Total Assignable Square Feet

Referenced from Page 53 of the Program of Requirements for Swimming & Diving Expansion

B U I L D I N G D E S I G N

The building is strategically located on the site so that the front entrance is visible from the main Student Recreation Center Plaza as well as the pedestrian’s approach from Pickard Pass. The building form is designed to provide massing and materials that complement the Recreation Center. The lobby is designed to be transparent from the exterior providing a dramatic two-story hall of fame that will showcase the success of the Texas A&M Swimming and Diving Programs.

The elevated roof form is utilized to create a dramatic entrance and will become the new identity for the Swimming and Diving program. The brick facade has been articulated with glazed openings and brick reveals to help address the pedestrian scale and enhance the user experience.

D E S I G N P R I N C I P L E S

Existing Building to be Demolished

Existing Building to Remain

Proposed Expansion Footprint

BUILDING DESGIN 14

F L O O R P L A NE X I S T I N G B U I L D I N G T O B E D E M O L I S H E D

BUILDING DESGIN 15

Entry Lobby / Hall of Fame

Team FacilitiesTraining Facilities Training Facilities

Natatorium

Main Entry

Add-Alt: Visitor’s Locker Room

Add-Alt: Coaches Office / Locker Room

Add-Alt: Scuba Tank Fill Room

Secondary Entry

Proposed Expansion

Proposed Add-Alt

Existing Building to Remain

Proposed Add-Alt on Existing Building

F L O O R P L A NP R O P O S E D E X P A N S I O N

BUILDING DESGIN 16

A R C H I T E C T U R A L G U I D E L I N E S

Campus Guidelines 265

Selection of Heritage Building Entrances

Physical Education Activity Program Building

Agricultural & Life Sciences


3.8 - ROOFTOP EQUIPMENT:

The consolidation and screening of rooftop mounted equipment is required.

The significant quantity and magnitude of stacks, exhausts and equipment

must be collected and screened within a designed roofscape. The nature and

scale of the roofscape should attempt to mitigate the magnitude and diversity

of equipment while developing engaging relationships between the building

and the sky.

For equipment not housed in enclosed penthouses, line-of-sight studies

should be conducted from all likely vantage points. Occupant views in

adjacent buildings will also be taken into consideration in determing the

optimal location and screening of equipment.

The proximity of buildings and the nature of functions may require additional

study and modeling to evaluate exhaust plume and prevent re-entertainment

to neighboring facilities. Research facilities with potentially significant exhaust

requirements and equipment will strive to maximize screening of exhaust

hoods from view.

3.9 - ACCESSIBILITY:

All new construction and major renovations must comply with American with

Disability Act (ADA) requirements, other applicable accessibility codes, and

should strive to use universal design principles. Consider placing classrooms

and labs with high utilization on lower levels to accommodate class changes.

Finished floor levels should be established at grade at the primary entry and primary paths of travel. Sites with significant slope shall elegantly transition the grade to support enhanced accessibility, utilizing the slope changes to the advantage of the building program and vitality of the adjoining exterior open spaces.

Enclosed Equipment - Preferred Option

Screened Equipment - Alternate Preferred Option

Exposed and Setback Equipment - Discouraged Option

INTERIOR TREATMENTS – INTERIOR WALLS, ELEMENTS AND ARCHITECTURE VISIBLE TO THE EXTERIOR SHOULD BE DESIGNED TO ACCENTUATE ACTIVITIES AND REINFORCE LEGIBILITY OF ENTRY POINTS AND ADJACENT EXTERIOR SPACES.

PERMEABLE GRADE LEVEL – TO SUPPORT VISIBLE INTERIORS AND VISUAL CONNECTION TO ACTIVITIES, GRADE LEVELS SHOULD BE VISUALLY AND PHYSICALLY PERMEABLE. AMBLE GLAZING SHOULD PROVIDE TRANSPARENCY AND LARGE EXPANSES OF SOLID WALLS SHOUD BE AVOIDED.

E N T R A N C E I D E N T I T Y & V A R I AT I O N

P E R M E A B L E G R A D E L E V E L F E N E S T R AT I O N S017 Campus Master Plan

n

Campus buildings to be urban expressions reflecting the pedestrian nature

of campus and the civic import of the University. The architecture should

animate and create vitality to the campus via:

VISIBLE INTERIORS – BUILDINGS SHOULD BE DESIGNED TO MAKE ACTIVITIES OF THE UNIVERSITY BOTH APPARENT AND ACCESSIBLE FROM THE OUTSIDE. THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE THOSE THAT REPRESENT THE INSTITUTIONAL ENTERPRISE AND CORE VALUES.

PROGRAM AND ACTIVITY LOCATION – HIGHLY UTILIZED SPACES WITHIN BUILDINGS SHOULD BE LOCATED AT GRADE LEVELS ALONG EXTERIOR EDGES TO ALLOW VISUAL CONNECTIONS TO THE ACTIVITY. SUCH SPACES MAY INCLUDE LOBBIES AND LOUNGES, DINING SPACES, EXHIBIT SPACES AND INFORMAL GATHERING AREAS.

V I S I B L E I N T E R I O R S

R O O F T O P E Q U I P M E N T S

BUILDING DESGIN 17

M AT E R I A L P A L E T T E

M E TA L P A N E L

P R E C A S T C O N C R E T E ( E X I S T I N G ) G L A S S B R I C K T O M AT C H R E C C E N T E R

P E R F O R AT E D M E TA L S C R E E N O P T I O N B - F R O S T E D G L A S SO P T I O N B - D A R K B R O N Z E

M U L L I O N O P T I O N S

C L E R E S T O R Y O P T I O N S

O P T I O N A - I N S U L AT E D P O LY C A R B O N AT E

S E C O N D A R Y

P R I M A R Y

O P T I O N A - A N O D I Z E D A L U M I N U M

S T R U C T U R A L - S I L I C O N E - G L A Z E DF U L LY - C A P T U R E D

BUILDING DESGIN 18

E L E V AT I O N S

O V E R A L L N O R T H E L E V AT I O N I N C L U D I N G T H E R E C C E N T E R

N O R T H E L E V AT I O N

P R I M A R Y D AT U M L I N E T O C O N T I N U E

R O O F A N G L E P A R A L L E L T O E X I S T I N G S K Y L I G H T

B R I C K T O M AT C H R E C C E N T E RP R E C A S T C O N C R E T E ( E X I S T I N G )

P E R F O R AT E D M E TA L S C R E E NM E TA L P A N E L

S T R U C T U R A L - S I L I C O N E - G L A Z E DF U L LY - C A P T U R E D

O P T I O N A - I N S U L AT E D P O LY C A R B O N AT EO P T I O N B - F R O S T E D G L A S S

BUILDING DESGIN 19

N O R T H E L E V AT I O N


Sample Illustration Applying Attribute of the Facade and Fenestration Guidelines

A B C B A

3

2

1

A DIFFERENTIATED END BAY B VERTICAL FENESTRATION RHYTHM C ARTICULATE PRIMARY ENTRYARTICULATE PRIMARY ENTRY

1 BASE MIDDLE2 3 TOP

1

2

3

A B AC

B A S E

M I D D L E

T O P

D I F F E R E N T I AT E D E N D B A Y D I F F E R E N T I AT E D E N D B A YA R T I C U L AT E P R I M A R Y E N T R Y V E R T I C A L F E N E S T R AT I O N R H Y T H M


T R I P A R T I T E C O M P O S I T I O N O F F A C A D EE L E V AT I O N S

BUILDING DESGIN 20

W E S T E L E V AT I O N

E A S T E L E V AT I O N

E X I S T I N G P O O L ( I N T E R I O R )

E X I S T I N G B U I L D I N G

B R I C K T O M AT C H R E C C E N T E R

B R I C K T O M AT C H R E C C E N T E R

P R E C A S T C O N C R E T E ( E X I S T I N G )

M E TA L P A N E L

M E TA L P A N E L

S T R U C T U R A L - S I L I C O N E - G L A Z E D C U R TA I N W A L L

F U L LY - C A P T U R E D S T O R E F R O N T

P E R F O R AT E D M E TA L S C R E E N

O P T I O N A - I N S U L AT E D P O LY C A R B O N AT EO P T I O N B - F R O S T E D G L A S S

E L E V AT I O N S

BUILDING DESGIN 21

A E R I A L P E R S P E C T I V EV I E W T O O V E R A L L C O N T E X T F R O M N O R T H E A S T

22

P E R S P E C T I V E SV I E W T O N O R T H E A S T L O B B Y & P L A Z A

23

P E R S P E C T I V E SV I E W T O N O R T H E A S T L O B B Y & P L A Z A - W I T H C O A C H E S A D D A LT E R N AT E

24

P E R S P E C T I V E SV I E W T O N O R T H W E S T D R Y L A N D T R A I N I N G & P L A Z A

25

P E R S P E C T I V E SV I E W T O N O R T H W E S T D R Y L A N D T R A I N I N G & P L A Z A - W I T H C O A C H E S A D D A LT E R N AT E

L A N D S C A P E D E S I G N

The landscape design for the Swimming & Diving Expansion will integrate with the Rec Center Plaza and enhance the user experience by activating the ground plane. The primary entrance will address the open Rec Plaza and create continuity between the two plaza areas by use of similar landscape elements such as planters, pavers, and vegetation. The use of glass at the entrance to the Swimming and Diving Expansion will create ambiguity between interior and exterior open areas and generate a permeable ground plane.

D E S I G N P R I N C I P L E S S I T E G U I D E L I N E S- Visible Interiors- Program & Activity Location- Permeable Grade Level- Interior Treatments- Program Representations- Learning & Discovery on Display- Knowledge Sharing- Sustainability Features

2.40M

367Acres

Athletics & Recreation By the Numbers:

opment

C A M P U S M A S T E R P L A N

The Swimming & Diving Expansion is located in the Athletics and Recreation zone of the Texas A&M Development Plan. The design for the new expansion will maintain surface parking to the north of the building but is able to adapt to the future integration of the master plan for development of a continuous open landscaped plaza between the Reed Arena and Rec Center.


BUILDING DESGIN 27

M A C R OI N T E G R AT I O N W I T H C A M P U S M A S T E R P L A N

O V E R A L L S I T E P L A N

BUILDING DESGIN 28

M I C R OI N T E G R AT I O N W I T H R E C C E N T E R

The Swimming & Diving Expansion plaza will integrate seamlessly with the Rec Center Plaza. The open area will reinforce the building design and the ground plane will build off the linear planters and paver design of the existing Rec Plaza. The pathways are designed to improve mobility around building perimeter and improve the user experience. The addition of an expanded sidewalk is introduced to improve the pedestrian access from West Campus Garage.

BUILDING DESGIN 29

D I S C U S S I O N

COUNCIL FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT DESIGN REVIEW SUB-COUNCIL

1

MEMORANDUM TO: Dr. Carol Fierke Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment

Dr. Jerry Strawser

Co-Chair, Council for the Built Environment FROM: Ms. Lilia Gonzales, AIA University Architect and Chair, Design Review Sub-Council DATE: March 19, 2019 RE: Design Review Sub-Council (DRsc) Report

Swimming & Diving Project at Rec Center, 100% Schematic Design The Design Review sub-council reviewed a request from Athletics for additions and renovations to the Swimming & Diving area at the Student Recreation Center. The project was presented by representatives from Populous architects. The project is at 100% Schematic Design. The site is located on the north side of the Rec Center natatorium and project scope includes renovation and expansion of the north end of the natatorium and will include new men’s and women’s locker rooms, shared team room, a dryland training area, athletic training area, and general building storage. The gross square footage for the new addition is 11,211 with an additional 2,200 in renovated space. Add alternates include the coaches’ offices and lockers, visitors’ locker room, and a scuba tank fill room. The project will improve the functional operations for staff, coaches, and athletes and will aid in recruiting. The building footprint will extend to the north which is an existing parking lot. The primary entrance for Swimming & Diving faces the Rec Plaza, which will reinforce the plaza space and connect to the primary pedestrian pathways. A secondary service entrance will be located on the west side of the expansion. Building massing responds to the Rec Center massing and building design has three main goals: to create an entrance that is visible from the Rec Plaza, to provide massing and materials that complement the Rec Center, and to create an identity for the Swimming & Diving program. Proposed materials include masonry, metal panels, perforated metal screen, insulated polycarbonate or frosted glass, bronze window frames, precast concrete, and more transparent glazing than existing building. The lobby is a two-story glazed tower, and the design team expressed the intent to use a clearer glass than the existing building for the new addition to provide greater visibility and adhere to the Campus Master Plan. This will also allow visibility into the lobby space and allow for the interior graphics to be showcased and provide the branding/storytelling desired by the occupants. The building massing takes its cues from the existing building in regards to its geometric shape and angling of roof slope. The design takes advantage of the roof slopes to screen rooftop equipment. Datum lines on the existing Student Recreation Center will be carried through into the exterior of the new addition to help address human scale as described in the Campus Master Plan.

COUNCIL FOR THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT DESIGN REVIEW SUB-COUNCIL

2

The landscape design goals are to create continuity between the small plaza outside the Swimming & Diving entrance and the Rec Plaza, activate the ground plane and enhance the user experience, and improve mobility and site circulation. Planter beds will be located to the north of the expansion between the building and a single row of parking to expand the green space and reinforce pedestrian circulation. Included in the plan as an add alternate, the project includes an expanded sidewalk to improve pedestrian access from West Campus Garage. DRsc members discussed their preference to remove this single row of parking, for alignment with the Campus Master Plan directive to reduce surface parking, improve connectivity, reinforce landscape design and pedestrian circulation, and enhance safety between vehicles and pedestrians. DRsc members discussed their concerns on the lack of differentiation between the primary entrance into the Rec Center and the new Swimming & Diving entrance and that it may not be clear enough to lead Rec users to the appropriate entrance (cannot enter through Swimming and Diving). Members discussed that the design team should explore a layered approach to solving this issue. This is in reference to building design, landscape design (plantings, seat walls, etc.), pathways/sidewalks, and wayfinding and signage. Recommendation DRsc members voted to recommend approval of the request for additions and renovations to the Swimming & Diving area within the Student Recreation Center, with the following caveats:

• Request that the design team address the concern of the entrance into the swimming & diving area reading as a primary entrance into the main facility. Project team should reevaluate how to differentiate between the Rec Sports portion and Swimming & Diving portion to create an appropriate hierarchy.

• Request reevaluation of the landscape plantings in order to reinforce the ground plane and the pedestrian passageways.

• Strongly recommend elimination of the row of parking spaces that are just north of the expansion site, as well as accepting the add alternate relating to the pedestrian connection, in order to meet the intent of the Campus Master Plan to reduce surface parking and reinforce pedestrian passageways.

• Request that signage (pedestrian-level directional) be added to the package as an add alternate as another means of aiding the pedestrian wayfinding; however, the primary solutions to wayfinding should be found in the landscape and hardscape design.

• Glazing material needs to be presented to the DRsc at 100% Design Development as compatibility with existing Student Recreation Center glazing is required.

• Proposed location for donor signage must be presented to the DRsc for review and approval. Distinction and hierarchy will be necessary between the signage for the existing Student Recreation Center facility and the new addition.

• Further design details should be presented to the DRsc for approval at 100% Design Development, in accordance with DRsc procedures. This presentation should include a review of exterior material samples as well as a more detailed landscape plan.

cc: Kevin Hurley

DRsc Members Bettyann Zito

council for the buil t environment co...

Documents