Cal Maritime, Recreation and Aquatic Center / WRNS Studio

Cal Maritime, Recreation and Aquatic Center / WRNS Studio - Image 2 of 11Cal Maritime, Recreation and Aquatic Center / WRNS Studio - Image 3 of 11Cal Maritime, Recreation and Aquatic Center / WRNS Studio - Image 4 of 11Cal Maritime, Recreation and Aquatic Center / WRNS Studio - WindowsCal Maritime, Recreation and Aquatic Center / WRNS Studio - More Images+ 6

  • Architects: WRNS Studio
  • Area Area of this architecture project Area:  40626 ft²
  • Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2014
  • Photographs
    Photographs:Jeremy Bittermann
  • Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project
    Manufacturers:  Willis Construction, HC Muddox
Cal Maritime, Recreation and Aquatic Center / WRNS Studio - Facade
© Jeremy Bittermann

Text description provided by the architects. As the only degree-granting maritime academy on the Pacific Ocean, California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime) is known for cultivating leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators within the global maritime profession. With a competition-level NCAA gymnasium, ample training and fitness areas, and a 50-meter pool, the Recreation and Aquatic Center serves as the primary recreation and sports outlet for the Academy’s 1200 cadets.

Lower Floor Plan

Visible from Interstate 80, which connects the San Francisco Bay Area with Sacramento, this new public face and memorable campus gateway evokes maritime references, and specifically the campus’s training ship, the Golden Bear, while avoiding trivialization. A brick base provides continuity with the historic building material of the campus.

Cal Maritime, Recreation and Aquatic Center / WRNS Studio - Image 2 of 11
© Jeremy Bittermann

Organized to be welcoming and easily accessible by both cadets and visitors, the main entry is a trellis-covered courtyard leading to the pool deck and the Center. Physical therapy, strength and conditioning areas, and locker rooms surround the entry and knot the two distinct programmatic volumes together. The multipurpose room, a double height space which allows for volleyball and basketball use, is located on the east edge of the facility and acts as a sentinel.

Cal Maritime, Recreation and Aquatic Center / WRNS Studio - Image 3 of 11
© Jeremy Bittermann

Wrapped in channel glass, the multipurpose room features diffused soft natural light, gaining additional significance at night as a glowing lantern. The other segment, a competition-level NCAA gymnasium, is offset from the multi-purpose to create a welcoming entry gesture for the campus.

Cal Maritime, Recreation and Aquatic Center / WRNS Studio - Lighting
© Jeremy Bittermann

Designed for multiple uses, the 50-meter pool accommodates competitive level swimming, water sports, and recreational use, and it is equipped with a wave machine to simulate storm conditions for coast guard training. To provide a sense of enclosure and protection from the wind it is surrounded by walls and secure fencing.

Cal Maritime, Recreation and Aquatic Center / WRNS Studio - Windows
© Jeremy Bittermann

Utility infrastructure and foundations have been provided in anticipation for a future enclosure to be constructed at the University’s discretion. With its high visibility and gateway location, the Recreation and Aquatic Center marks Cal Maritime as a place of distinction within the broader landscape of maritime education.

Cal Maritime, Recreation and Aquatic Center / WRNS Studio - Image 7 of 11
© Jeremy Bittermann

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Project location

Address:117 Maritime Academy Dr, Vallejo, CA 94590, United States

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Cal Maritime, Recreation and Aquatic Center / WRNS Studio" 17 Jul 2018. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/898275/cal-maritime-recreation-and-aquatic-center-wrns-studio> ISSN 0719-8884

© Jeremy Bittermann

加州海上娱乐运动中心 / WRNS Studio

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