University of Colorado Denver - Lola + Rob Salazar Wellness Center
Designed with and for students of a commuter campus, this holistic center provides resources to address seven dimensions of student wellness and create an on-campus respite.
Client
University of Colorado Denver
Location
Denver, Colorado
Markets/Services
Architecture, Athletics, Recreation, & Wellness, Energy & Environmental Modeling, Higher Education, Interiors, MEP Engineering, Programming
Size
92,000 SF
Featured Awards
NIRSA, Outstanding Sports Facilities Award, 2019
Engineering News-Record (ENR), Mountain States Award of Merit Colorado/Wyoming/Dakotas Sports/Entertainment, 2019
Feeling they lacked access to a shared recreation center, students of the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) led a referendum to build a new recreation facility that would be funded by student fees. SmithGroup conducted the initial feasibility study that explored potential sites, programming opportunities and costs for a proprietary CU Denver facility. The team led a highly interactive engagement phase seeking input from across the student population.
The design includes a variety of spaces such as reflection rooms, study rooms, a nap space and game lounge.
Following a second successful referendum approving the project, the University selected SmithGroup for programming and design of the facility. Reflecting the unique needs of students on a commuter campus, the project expanded the role of a typical recreational center. Instead, it creates a “home base” on campus, a holistic place of respite that encompasses seven dimensions of wellness: emotional, social, spiritual, financial, physical, creative and environmental. The team created student communities for each dimension to help guide specific programming.
We have noticed a dramatic shift in culture on our campus. The University now has a space for students to engage and feel like they belong, and we have already begun to see a sense of community and school pride.
Amber Long
Executive Director of Recreation & Wellness, University of Colorado Denver
There are several elements to the Wellness Center that will continue to be iconic many years from now: the view of the entire climbing wall from downtown and passersby on busy Speer Boulevard; the courtyard framed by the Wellness Center with seating; open gathering space and views of the historic Tivoli Student Union building; and most importantly, the spirit of wellness which emanates from the building and will touch the lives of students, staff and faculty for many years to come.
Cary Weatherford
Executive Director, Office of Institutional Planning, University of Colorado Denver
Traditional recreation areas can be found throughout the building such as weight-training and endurance training spaces, a six-lane lap pool and climbing wall.
As a result, the wellness center includes reflection rooms, study rooms, a nap space and a game lounge, as well as more traditional recreation amenities like fitness studios, weight-training and endurance training spaces, a six-lane lap pool and climbing wall. An expansive third floor patio terrace provides an environment for outdoor activities. The building’s circulation path offers views of downtown Denver to the east and the Rocky Mountains and the Auraria Campus to the west, providing a welcoming and comfortable place that students can truly call their own.