![]() |
||||||||||||||
The centerpiece of the $12.8 million renovation project is the conversion of the building’s dark, dank second-floor gymnasium into a light-filled fitness center. The 17,000-sf fitness center features all the amenities of a modern workout center—cardio machines, free-weight stations, circuit machines, dumbbells, a spinning room, and workout and classroom space—all situated snugly within the historic gymnasium. | ||||||||||||||
At a time when institutions of higher learning are spending tens of millions of dollars erecting massive, cutting-edge recreation and fitness centers, Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., decided to take a more modest, historical approach. Instead of building an ultra-grand new facility, the university chose to
The centerpiece of the $12.8 million renovation project is the conversion of the building’s dark, dank second-floor gymnasium into a light-filled fitness center. Designed by Lavallee Brensinger Architects of Manchester, N.H., the 17,000-sf fitness center features all the amenities of a modern workout center—cardio machines, free-weight stations, circuit machines, dumbbells, a spinning room, and workout and classroom space—all situated snugly within the historic gymnasium. The gym’s 1970s-era suspended ceiling system was removed to reveal 10 steel trusses that now cap the space in dramatic fashion. During the day, natural light floods the interior through replacement clerestory windows that mimic the originals. At night, the interior lighting scheme highlights the massive trusses and emphasizes the vast volume of the space. To meet ADA accessibility standards, the Building Team created a new, universally accessible route to the front door that maintains the historic character of the entrance. A long, sweeping walkway designed at less than a 1:20 slope permits easy access to the building and is free of obtrusive railings. The original tri-part front steps were replaced with a wider, front-entrance staircase that can better handle crowds during periods of peak use. Inside, a new oversized elevator provides access to all public floors of the building. The elevator also serves as a key design element of the lobby and fitness center, with detailed enclosures at each level. The Reconstruction Awards judges praised Dartmouth for reviving the campus landmark and were especially pleased with the university’s decision to have the building live on as center for fitness and recreation. “There are so many facilities like this that have been converted for different use,” said Reconstruction Awards honorary chair Walker C. Johnson, FAIA, principal with Johnson Lasky Architects, Chicago. “I like the fact that they chose to update it for its original use.” |
||||||||||||||
Project Summary Alumni Gymnasium Renovation, Dartmouth College Hanover, N.H. Building Team Submitting firm: Lavallee Brensinger Architects (architect, interior architect) Associate architect: HOK Sport Structural engineer: McFarland Johnson Inc. Mechanical/electrical engineer: Hallam-ICS Construction manager: North Branch Construction General Information Size: 140,000 sf Construction cost: $12.8 million Delivery method: CM at risk |
Related Stories
| Aug 11, 2010
Best AEC Firms of 2011/12
Later this year, we will launch Best AEC Firms 2012. We’re looking for firms that create truly positive workplaces for their AEC professionals and support staff. Keep an eye on this page for entry information. +
| Aug 11, 2010
Clark Group, Mortenson among nation's busiest state/local government contractors, according to BD+C's Giants 300 report
A ranking of the Top 40 State/Local Government Contractors based on Building Design+Construction's 2009 Giants 300 survey. For more Giants 300 rankings, visit /giants
| Aug 11, 2010
Call for entries: Building enclosure design awards
The Boston Society of Architects and the Boston chapter of the Building Enclosure Council (BEC-Boston) have announced a High Performance Building award that will assess building enclosure innovation through the demonstrated design, construction, and operation of the building enclosure.
| Aug 11, 2010
Portland Cement Association offers blast resistant design guide for reinforced concrete structures
Developed for designers and engineers, "Blast Resistant Design Guide for Reinforced Concrete Structures" provides a practical treatment of the design of cast-in-place reinforced concrete structures to resist the effects of blast loads. It explains the principles of blast-resistant design, and how to determine the kind and degree of resistance a structure needs as well as how to specify the required materials and details.
| Aug 11, 2010
Jacobs, CH2M Hill, AECOM top BD+C's ranking of the 75 largest federal government design firms
A ranking of the Top 75 Federal Government Design Firms based on Building Design+Construction's 2009 Giants 300 survey. For more Giants 300 rankings, visit http://www.BDCnetwork.com/Giants
| Aug 11, 2010
Manhattan's Pier 57 to be transformed into cultural center, small business incubator, and public park as part of $210 million redevelopment plan
LOT-EK, Beyer Blinder Belle, and West 8 have been selected as the design team for Hudson River Park’s Pier 57 at 15th Street and the Hudson River as part of the development group led by New York-based real estate developer YoungWoo & Associates. The 375,000 square foot vacant, former passenger ship terminal will be transformed into a cultural center, small business incubator, and public park, including a rooftop venue for the Tribeca Film Festival.
| Aug 11, 2010
Gensler, HOK, HDR among the nation's leading reconstruction design firms, according to BD+C's Giants 300 report
A ranking of the Top 100 Reconstruction Design Firms based on Building Design+Construction's 2009 Giants 300 survey. For more Giants 300 rankings, visit http://www.BDCnetwork.com/Giants
| Aug 11, 2010
Bowdoin College Museum of Art
Brunswick, Maine
Since its founding in 1794, when what is now the state of Maine was still part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Bowdoin College has played a pivotal role in the educational and cultural life of Maine. Contributing to that role for more than a century has been the Walker Art Building, an 1894 McKim, Mead & White-designed structure and home to the college’s Museum of Art.