Arizona Rec Center Awarded LEED Platinum

TUCSON, Ariz. — A recently expanded recreation center at the University of Arizona was awarded LEED Platinum certification. Designed by architectural firm Sasaki in partnership with M3 Engineering out of Tucson — and originally targeting LEED Silver — the completed project integrates passive solar, programmed outdoor space, daylighting strategies and indoor environmental quality as fundamentals of the building, according to reports.

The Student Recreation Center Expansion involved building over a parking lot on the edge of the U of A campus fronting a busy four-lane vehicular edge to the north. Officials say that increasing the neighborhood density with the SCRE, the center stimulates existing alternative forms of transportation, such as public transit, bicycling or walking.

The expansion included the center’s primary Fitness Center, Outdoor Adventures, and a Multi-use Activity Court gymnasium. Two intersecting roof elements frame outdoor courtyards between the new and old structures, which house rock-climbing “boulders”, sand volleyball courts, and outdoor fitness areas.  

The project was funded via student fees and was the first LEED certified building on the university’s campus.