This project involves a complex program for several portions of the University of Iowa Athletics Departments, including Men’s & Women’s Tennis, Field Hockey, Soccer and select components of the Recreation Department.
Generally, the facility is organized with the large indoor tennis and field hockey turf facilities anchoring the west and east respectively with support facilities in the center. A total of 20 tennis courts are provided, eight of which are indoor.
The large anchoring elements are pre-manufactured metal buildings which adhere to the modest project budget. A two-story high link connects these two elements and is constructed of full-height glass curtain wall on the north and south. The bottom 10-feet of the glazing is clear vision glass and the upper portion is a light diffusing material which helps to reduce heat gain.
The link accommodates general recreation space and locker rooms, home & visiting team locker rooms, coach’s offices, support spaces, and the central reception desk. The location of this desk is critical to the security of the building as it provides visual access to indoor and outdoor courts, the indoor turf area, all public entries, and the fitness space.
The interior of the central link is finished with colored concrete, burnished block and a large-scale wall mural depicting the activity within the facility.
In addition to the building, asphalt parking and grass overflow parking is provided. A trail around the facility connects with a larger campus trail system.
Project Type: Recreation
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Completed: 2006
Size: 105,000 sf
