UNO Recreation and Fitness Center Wins Design Award

"Simple, yet elegant exterior curb appeal. A handsome architectural identity. The design is very crisp, with a consistent repetition of materials and forms throughout the exterior and on to the interior." Tom Poulos.

The design of the University of New Orleans Student Recreation Center was a winner at the second annual Innovative Architecture and Design competition held recently.

The competition was open to facilities, new or recently renovated, that are helping to set standards of excellence in the recreation community. Winners were chosen by a panel of judges, with the hopes of highlighting the best and most interesting projects the recreation industry has to offer, from aquatic centers and health clubs to arenas and community centers—and everything in between.

The two-level wellness center opened in 2002. It includes a 15,000 sq. ft. cardiovascular fitness/weight training area, three basketball courts with a suspended running track, two racquetball courts, and a natatorium with a four-lane recreational/lap pool. The Center is designed to reinforce the quality of student life on the UNO campus. The design allows for different activities that will ultimately compliment student activities taking place at the existing University Center. The design team was lead by Thomas M. Brown, AIA, principal-in-charge, Sizeler Architects.