UC Merced Recreation Center North Study

Merced, CA

University of California, Merced
22,800 sq. ft.

This goal of this two-story recreation structure for the University of California, Merced is to foster a stronger sense of community with expansions to recreational, administrative, and support spaces. Envisioned as a 24-hour facility, the recreation center offers cardio and weight training, as well as multipurpose rooms. The east side view of the structure reveals large, strategically-placed windows that act as a beacon to welcome the campus community. Additionally, a smaller multipurpose room at the northeast corner of the building features large windows on the east and north facades, contributing to the dramatic beacon effect—particularly at night when illuminated from the inside. Targeting LEED platinum certification, the recreation center is a sustainable and attractive facility that bolsters a sense of pride and community for the UC Merced campus.