UC MERCED RECREATION & WELLNESS CENTER

Merced, California

Built for the University of California’s newest campus, the Recreation and Wellness Center sits at the intersection of the campus’ academic and residential cores. The program called for a combination of uses, including an NCAA spec multi-use gym, weight room, an exercise room and a small health clinic. The compact plan ensured optimized value while maintaining privacy and separation for the clinic.

Outside, the mass of the gym is mitigated by the smaller volumes of the weight room, entry and clinic, creating a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly presence on the street. Light monitors bring daylight into the LEED Gold rated bulidng while taking design cues from buildings found on campus and in the region.

Inside, the rec uses offer the students opportunities to interact outside of the classroom while the integrated health clinic serves a growing student population on a remote campus.

Architect: Sasaki Associates
Photography: Tim Griffith