Congratulations to the 2023 AIA Houston Design Award Winner in the Greater Than > 50K SF Category: Texas A&M University – Southside Recreation Center.

The flagship campus of Texas A&M boasts one of the largest student bodies in the country, with more than 66,800 students. To ensure fitness and wellness is easily accessible to all of its students, the university selected SmithGroup to design a new satellite recreation facility for the Southside area of the College Station campus.

The 63,000-square-foot building blends elegantly with the site and the campus vernacular. An existing row of live oaks was protected to frame the grand entry plaza. A large overhang on the south and west facades further protects the glazing and provides shaded exterior space. As a result, occupants enjoy abundant natural light and pleasing views.

Inside, the design is smart in its simplicity. A central spine with the lobby and support services anchors two high-bay fitness areas. The south bay is devoted to strength and conditioning. A slam wall and functional floor workout area occupy one end, where full-height windows afford pleasing daylight and views of the adjacent university golf course. The south bay also provides access to a large covered outdoor workout terrace.

The other high bay on the building’s north side is used for two multi-purpose sports courts. Adjacent outdoor space features two volleyball courts and another exterior activity zone. The building’s central spine includes a mezzanine with cardio equipment and an exercise studio, a bouldering wall, locker rooms and support services. Contractor: Manhattan Construction Company Structural Engineer: JQ Infrastructure Civil Engineer: Gessner Engineering

© Wade Griffith Photography 2023