UNC Charlotte University Recreation Center

An institution's first hub for student rec, health and wellness

004908 01 N71 Cdwebsite

Client
University of North Carolina Charlotte
Location
Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
Size
151,000 square feet
Status
Completed 2020

Promoting student health and wellness is wired into UNC Charlotte’s mission and campus DNA. The institution fully recognizes elevating student success, and experience is anchored in campus recreation and its facilities, programs and services. The school’s new University Recreation Center is tangible evidence of its commitment to this mission.

A dynamic hub for campus recreation, the 148,000-square-foot center is the university’s first facility fully dedicated to campus recreation. With roots going back to UNC Charlotte’s 2010 master plan, the project is viewed as an essential component in advancing the campus and its ability to serve current and future student populations. The facility responds to this vision, growing student demand and enrollment, and fills a significant void in UNC Charlotte’s student life experience with a wide variety of recreation offerings.

004908 01 N65 Cdwebsite
Our environmental graphics team created a branding program that reflects Charlotte's gold mining history. The terms 49ers and NinerNation symbolize gold mining and the pioneering spirit that has led to UNC Charlotte’s dramatic growth.
004908 01 N69 Cdwebsite
Our environmental graphics team created a branding program that reflects Charlotte's gold mining history. The terms 49ers and NinerNation symbolize gold mining and the pioneering spirit that has led to UNC Charlotte’s dramatic growth.
004908 01 N73 Cdwebsite
Other environmental graphics feature a variety of physical objects that reference sports and activities available in the facility.
004908 01 N36 Cdwebsite
The main circulation spine builds on this branding as a continuous band capturing the essence of a gold mining sieve flowing from the entry all the way through the facility.

Informed by diverse student engagement, the recreation center introduces a diversity of spaces and programs, including a four-court gymnasium, elevated running/walking track, expansive cardiovascular and strength training spaces, a cycling studio and indoor artificial turf playground and more.

The building equally promotes wellness, with spaces spanning a full demonstration kitchen to support nutrition classes, multi-purpose studios and extensive fitness balconies.

004908 01 N72 Cdwebsite
Student resources are abundant, from demonstration kitchens to courts and multipurpose fitness areas, as well as in-between spaces where students can relax, practice yoga and more.
004908 01 N58 Cdwebsite
Student resources are abundant, from demonstration kitchens to courts and multipurpose fitness areas, as well as in-between spaces where students can relax, practice yoga and more.
004908 01 N29 Cdwebsite
Student resources are abundant, from demonstration kitchens to courts and multipurpose fitness areas, as well as in-between spaces where students can relax, practice yoga and more.
004908 01 N25 Cdwebsite
Student resources are abundant, from demonstration kitchens to courts and multipurpose fitness areas, as well as in-between spaces where students can relax, practice yoga and more.

Testimonials

  • The building is always buzzing with energy. This is truly a student-focused building. Beyond the dynamic spaces, it has a graphic package heavily based on students and their goals. It’s really their building.

    Jim Walczyk Director of University Recreation, UNC Charlotte
004908 01 N61 Cdwebsite
Given its proximity to the heart of the UNC Charlotte campus, the center has spurred new partnerships with internal teams, including the student union, academic units like kinesiology and dining services.
004908 01 N59 Cdwebsite
Beyond just bolstering campus recreation opportunities, the building is designed to promote inclusivity, accessibility and accommodation for all fitness levels.
004908 01 N33 Cdwebsite
Beyond just bolstering campus recreation opportunities, the building is designed to promote inclusivity, accessibility and accommodation for all fitness levels.
004908 01 N76 Cdwebsite

Increased Student Participation

22%

increase in student participation in campus recreation programming after the opening of the new center.

15%

jump in unique users after the new facility opened on the UNC Charlotte campus.

004908 01 N49 Cdwebsite
The building has become a 24/7 beacon for student life and activity.
004908 01 N48 Cdwebsite
Outdoor amenities and the temperate Charlotte climate allow students to participate in programs inside and outside almost year round.
004908 01 N28 Cdwebsite