University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center / SmithGroup

University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center / SmithGroup - Interior PhotographyUniversity of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center / SmithGroup - Interior PhotographyUniversity of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center / SmithGroup - Exterior Photography, FacadeUniversity of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center / SmithGroup - Exterior Photography, Facade, ConcreteUniversity of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center / SmithGroup - More Images+ 20

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University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center / SmithGroup - Exterior Photography, Facade

Text description provided by the architects. After successfully serving upper level and graduate courses for 45 years, the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) is amidst a dramatic transformation. In 2014, UCHL became a full four-year institution, admitting its first freshman class and spurring rapid enrollment growth. The Recreation & Wellness Center was envisioned as a key part of this transition to a four-year institution and became a recruitment tool—providing not only an essential student life amenity, but also acting as a point-of-pride campus landmark boosting the University’s brand.

University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center / SmithGroup - Exterior Photography, Beam
University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center / SmithGroup - Exterior Photography

The Recreation & Wellness Center elegantly marries student life with in-demand wellness-focused academic programming as the new home to the University’s Department of Exercise & Health Sciences. The bespoke design of the biomechanics, motor control and development, and exercise physiology labs support advanced exercise and wellness research initiatives. Academic functions are further supported with new classrooms, a departmental suite, and collaborative learning areas including charging bars and open and closed study rooms.

University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center / SmithGroup - Image 20 of 25
1st Floor Plan

The facility’s split program is distinctly separated by a voluminous pass-through lobby joining the recreation and academic wings. More than just an entry point, the space is a campus lounge and student mixing and gathering area, seamlessly connecting the access-controlled recreation areas with 24/7 academic and research spaces. The fusion of these two program elements provides a unique opportunity for joint use; imagine an exercise science class learning to perform fitness evaluations in the lab – then deftly moving to the recreation center to practice those skills with the equipment there. Conversely, a student rehabilitating an injury could make use of the advanced equipment and faculty resources of the academic side.

University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center / SmithGroup - Interior Photography, Stairs, Windows, Handrail

Envisioned as a “Beacon of Wellness,” the building’s form is composed of glassy, light-filled spaces acting as a billboard for the active functions and research taking place inside. The school’s colors are boldly incorporated into the architecture, fostering a culture of school spirit and enhancing the University’s brand.

University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center / SmithGroup - Interior Photography, Stairs
University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center / SmithGroup - Interior Photography, Glass, Beam

One-part student recreation center and one-part exercise science education and research center, the building elegantly merges student life, instructional and research environments.

University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center / SmithGroup - Exterior Photography, Glass, Facade

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Project location

Address:Clear Lake City, Houston, Texas, 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: "University of Houston Clear Lake Recreation and Wellness Center / SmithGroup" 03 Jan 2020. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/931228/university-of-houston-clear-lake-recreation-and-wellness-center-smithgroup> ISSN 0719-8884

休斯顿大学净湖分校活动中心 / SmithGroup

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