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Locally grown materials, architecture and other design elements caused seven judges to choose the University of Maine Student Recreation and Fitness Center for the 2008 Athletic Business Facility Magazine award on Dec. 5. The award is given annually to new buildings throughout the United States and Canada.
The Rec Center, designed by Cannon Design of Boston, was one of 10 winning buildings that “demonstrate sound design principles in the areas of transparency, organization, detailing, sustainability, functionality and appropriateness to their surroundings,” according to Athletic Business Magazine.
A panel of seven architects judged the contest. The judges took special note of criteria including functional planning, design site and cost.
The judges commended the 87,919-square-foot building, which opened in August 2007, for its unique features.
“Locally harvested and manufactured wood structure and finish provide a unique aesthetic and appropriate connection to the surrounding wooded context,” judge John Kane said.
“I know the judges were very impressed with the use of materials, and the material selection; for example, they all noted the use of locally harvested wood, which (A) they liked architecturally, and (B) is kind of green when you are harvesting local materials like that. There were also lots of comments on how nice and clean the exterior and interior plans were,” said Nick Brown, associate editor of Athletic Business Magazine.
This award gives UMaine new recognition.
“It is one of the most prestigious awards you can win in the field. This gives us a lot of notoriety, and really puts us out there in a national way,” said Kenda Scheele, associate dean of students. “It really speaks volumes about our university.”
The Rec Center also helps recruit potential students.
“I think that this award gives us a level of prominence that is very helpful with us at Campus Recreation and University of Maine,” said Jeff Hunt, director of Campus Recreation. “The building is an attraction for students to come here because all open houses are held here, and the different groups that come here all visit the Rec Center, so it’s definitely been a help in recruiting.”
There has been an increase in traffic flow at the center, as more students and faculty members are making it a destination point.
“It has been much busier this year. You must swipe in, and we count all of the swipes, and right now we’re 20,000 short, but I’m going to say by the end of the month we will be at half a million,” Hunt said. “It’s upped the opportunity to be involved for students in that, we used to see 2,000 a week, and now we see 2,000 per day. It has brought an increased level of being active and healthy, and it’s helped promote a healthy lifestyle at UMaine.”
The award could boost student morale, Scheele said.
“I hope it makes them proud of being here on campus and being able to use such a magnificent facility. I hope it makes them realize that University of Maine is a great place to be and that they made a great choice in coming here,” Scheele said.
