Facility owners, operators and architects share the responsibility for designing facilities that offer visitors not only a rewarding experience but a safe environment. For example, the reception desk at the North Idaho College Student Wellness & Fitness Center (shown in photo to the left) is located just inside the entry. It is configured to provide…
Author: alscarchitects
The Evolution of Campus Recreation Centers
Historically campus recreation centers were primarily frequented by athletes and exercise enthusiasts. Today, colleges and universities are expanding their offerings to accommodate a larger demographic with a broad array of fitness needs. This article from Athletic Business (Brett Klika, CSCS & Founder of SPIDERfit Kids in conjunction with the American Council on Exercise) explores how creative…
Doing The Next Best Thing
When constructing a brand new recreation facility isn’t an option, what’s the next best thing to do? While some clients are fortunate enough to secure funding for a new building, others must face into the likelihood that they will need to make modifications to an existing facility to meet current needs. Such was the case…
The Challenge
The opportunity to design a new collegiate recreation center is always exciting. When a college or university decides to renovate or expand an existing facility, a unique set of challenges must be considered and addressed. In a recent expansion to Gonzaga University’s athletics complex, ALSC Architects was challenged with keeping the adjacent McCarthey Athletic Center…
Collegiate Recreation Centers: A Place to Call Home
Not Your Parents Intramurals By Kathy Russell, ALSC Architects Not long ago, college recreation programs consisted of intramural sports run by student organizations or teachers in the physical education department. These programs were often housed in a student union building or in the corner of an athletics building. Today colleges and universities are building recreation…
Alternative Approach to Construction Gains Traction
A project delivery method known as progressive design-build is catching on in Washington State, and the approach already is being employed on a couple of Spokane-area projects, says Rustin Hall, Principal at ALSC Architects. ALSC is using the progressive design-build method on the City of Airway Heights community recreation center project. The $17.3 million recreation…
How to spatially lay out complex Athletic Facilites*
*hint: it involves circles By Robin Pecka, ASID – Interior Designer, ALSC Architects Athletic or Fitness Facilities are often large and contain multiple functions and programs under one roof. These programs must be spatially organized to work together for the most efficient use and safety of facility users and staff. The task of figuring out…
Addressing the Need for Privacy & Security in Locker Room Design
The need for privacy and security in locker room design is of paramount importance, whether for K-12 schools, colleges and universities, private clubs or public recreation facilities. Today’s concerns address much broader issues beyond determining the age at which a son should no longer accompany his mother into a women’s locker room. This article from Athletic Business explores six…
Technology & Sports: What will the future bring?
According to a recent study by Cisco, 57% of sports fans prefer watching the game at home, and research suggests that Millennials won’t automatically fill seats being vacated by their parents. So what can we do to get fans to re-engage and head back to the stadium to watch a live event? This article from…
Getting the Most From Your Indoor Sports Complex
Large indoor sports complexes are a big investment. They can be expensive to build, staff and operate. So how can these facilities be designed to maximize return on their inherent costs? According to Tracy Kruzicki, president of KEVA Sports Center in Middleton, Wis, “You really have to have a strategic plan for what you can…
Making The Most of Facility Site Visits
There is nothing better than seeing with your own eyes how a facility operates and “flows”, how the occupants truly use the building and site , and what the volume of space feels like as you navigate through it. What are the finishes and materials in the building and how are they holding up? In…
Recreation & Fitness Centers Help Woo Students
In November’s ALSC Fitness Bits we explored how collegiate locker rooms can be designed as a way to gain an advantage in securing recruits. In much the same way, state-of-the-art recreation and fitness centers can influence where students decide to attend college. North Idaho College Student Wellness & Fitness Center (ALSC Architects) The new North Idaho…
ALSC Architects 