Designed under the philosophy of “healthy buildings for healthy bodies,” the renovation and expansion of the Louisiana State University Student Recreation Center breathes new life into the once dated facility, juxtaposing existing architectural elements with modern and dynamic design components.

The project, which spanned 279,000 square feet, provided much-needed facilities for fitness, leisure, wellness, aquatic and outdoor adventure in a sustainable, flexible environment. Drawing inspiration from the University’s "Learn. Play. Succeed.” guiding vision, the design promotes and encourages an inclusive environment for the campus’ diverse population through an open-plan concept and fitness neighborhoods.

Located adjacent to University Lake, the Student Recreation Center is a campus destination and an anchor facility. Creating strong links between indoor and outdoor program areas, the center’s form and layout maximize daylight, frame exterior views, and offer multiple open-air recreation options via exercise terraces, outdoor aquatics and interior courtyards.

In addition to 40,430 square feet of cardio and weight room space, the facility offers six group fitness studios, a 38-foot-high climbing wall and bouldering area, five multipurpose courts, three multi-activity court gyms and a functional training area. A 1/4-mile indoor elevated track winds through the space like an LSU Tiger tail and incorporates an inclined sprint track.

The multi-phased project, designed in association with HOK, also included the relocation of outdoor recreation fields for student intramural and club sports to a new off-campus site.