ajc architects, in conjunction with HOK, programmed and designed
the new 117,285 SF Utah State University Aggie Recreation Center
(ARC) in Logan, Utah. The ARC was envisioned as a “new hub for the
student community,” with a focus on play, wellness, and discovery to
enhance “Aggie” life.

The site is centrally located on a busy pedestrian pathway, west of
the existing HPER building and north of Nelson Field House. The
area is surrounded by the Legacy Fields, Spectrum Athletic Complex
and other fields used for outdoor recreational programs - which
magnifies the presence of student activity in the area by creating
an energized recreation core. This proximity provides an excellent
opportunity to enhance the connectivity between students and the
greater campus community.

Construction of the $24,700,000 two and three story structure began
in March of 2014 and reached completion in November of 2015. The
interior space is organized with a ‘central canyon’ theme expressed
longitudinally throughout the building, as well as vertically over all
three levels. As USU has a strong tie to the nearby mountains and
canyons, the site incorporates expansive views of Logan Canyon
and the Bear River Range to the east, the Bear River Valley to the
northwest and Wellsville Range to the southwest. Taking advantage
of these familiar views informed the building’s program organization,
form, and its orientation on site. By incorporating numerous site
dynamics, the Student Recreation and Wellness Center will become
rooted in the greater context of the Cache Valley, as well as a
physical and visual gateway for the entire campus.

Implementing sustainable features was a key element for
stakeholders to help create an “iconic campus building.” As a result,
the facility exceeded sustainability goals and received LEED Gold
certification from the U.S. Green Building Council in June of 2016.

The form of the building is designed to harmonize with surrounding
contextual elements in both scale and materiality (including two
and three story volumes clad in brick veneer, metal panels, and
architectural concrete). Consideration of timeless, durable, lowmaintenance
exterior materials was imperative to ensuring a longlasting
building for the University and students. The design of the
building was developed in such a way as to inspire and express the
various activities within. The architectural form of the building was
composed to inspire and express the various recreational activities
within, as well as echo the “stretch and bend” of human body in
motion.

As a full-service Student Health and Wellness Center, the building
includes a 4,600 square foot fitness center and three cardio lofts
featuring the most advanced cardio and weight equipment available;
USU Campus Recreation offices with support space; an elevated
indoor track measuring 1/8 of a mile long; group fitness studios
programmed for group exercise classes and open recreation;
men’s and women’s locker rooms with showers and restroom
facilities; three hardwood gym courts for basketball and volleyball;
a multi-activity (MAC) court that also serves as a venue for lectures,
convocations, entertainment, or theatrical events; a health-themed
café and lounge; study spaces and multi-media meeting rooms; a 50’
climbing wall and repel ledge, and a rental shop for outdoor gear and
equipment. The facility also includes 2 outdoor basketball courts and
sand volleyball courts.
The design team was led by ajc+HOK Architects and included
Layton Construction, ARW Structural Engineers, Van Boerum & Frank
Associates, Civil Solutions Group and Spectrum Engineers.
Photo Credit: Blakely Photography©