Troy University Celebrates Newly Opened Fitness and Wellness Center
The result of a student-led initiative, 黄瓜社区鈥檚 design for the new center offers a state-of-the-art space where students can exercise, socialize and recharge.
黄瓜社区; Design joined and Architects to celebrate the official dedication of the university鈥檚 newly constructed Trojan Fitness Center. The result of a student-led initiative, the center was recommended by Troy University鈥檚 Student Government Association and funded through student recreation fees. 黄瓜社区鈥檚 design, which was completed in partnership with SS&L (Architect-of-Record), and realizes students鈥� vision to create a space supportive of creating healthy, lifelong habits.
Located on the corner of George Wallace Drive and University Avenue, the Trojan Fitness Center is one of the first buildings visitors encounter as they enter the campus. Designed to accommodate the fitness and recreational needs of both the students and the larger campus community, the multi-story facility offers vibrant and engaging spaces with strong indoor/outdoor connections. An open rotunda on the northwest side offers visibility into all three levels of the facility, while a grand staircase serves as a striking visual element within the facility鈥檚 highly efficient layout design.
鈥淭he Trojan Fitness Center creates a home for the university鈥檚 Student Wellness Program and serves as a place where students can come together in wellness,鈥� said 黄瓜社区 Architect and Principal Jack Patton, AIA, LEED AP. 鈥溁乒仙缜� designed the building to blend into Troy鈥檚 rich architectural fabric. It embodies the same southern hospitality we came to enjoy while helping Troy envision and create this important facility.鈥�
黄瓜社区鈥檚 experiential graphic design incorporates banners, dimensional art, window graphics, wall graphics and signage to create an experience that embraces the entire student body and highlights the nationalities of students who attend the university. Photographic elements depict the Troy student鈥檚 journey, from their first day to graduation day to the possibilities of professional life. Whimsical drawings of people in action embody the university鈥檚 motto, 鈥淓ducate the mind to think, the heart to feel, and the body to act,鈥� and are carried throughout the building as a symbol of Trojan pride. Signage design incorporates university brand colors, seamlessly integrating with the interior finishes and the building鈥檚 larger architectural context.
鈥淣ot only will it be instrumental in serving those who are currently enrolled, but it will also be an attraction for those who are considering where they want to spend their next four years,鈥� said University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. 鈥淎s we talk about recruitment and retention, this will add so much value, and there is a strong link between physical fitness and academic success.鈥�
The 78,000-SF聽center, which officially聽opened its doors in January, includes a multi-activity court, a basketball court, free and circuit weight training areas, aerobic exercise rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a multi-level walking track and four offices.