March 8th, 2022
The Zone At Brock University Wins NIRSA Outstanding Facilities Awards
The Zone, a newly renovated and expanded athletic centre on the Brock University campus, has won the NIRSA Outstanding Facilities Award for the Canadian Region. Officially announced at the beginning of March, the awards will be presented at a ceremony March 29 in Portland, Oregon.
Completed late in 2020, the $7.39 million project involved the renovation and addition of 16,250 sf for the fitness centre, home to both elite training and everyday programs. The design team included: mcCallumSather, prime architect; WSP, mechanical, electrical, civil; TerraPlan, landscape architect; and Aquicon Construction as Construction Manager.
“We have had so much fun working on The Zone, especially because we know how meaningful the project is to this campus. What’s really exciting is that it reflects the University’s strong athletics culture and vision of its Student Union, who were very involved.” said Drew Hauser, Director of Design & Business Development at mcCallumSather.
The students’ vision for their expanded fitness centre included a transformed courtyard experience, replacing the heavy awning and closed off space with a light-filled and vibrant space. The double height interior features a series of active mezzanines that boldly feature the campus colours and its mascot. A long turf section creates an area for walking, runs or sprints, and gives workout options with different training surfaces. There is a multi-purpose space for TRX, heavy bags, plyo boxes and hurdles; cardio areas in the mezzanine, easily accessed without passing through the weight-training areas; a free weight area; and Olympic Lift, strength, and conditioning areas. Group fitness areas are more private with a specialized spin studio and yoga studio. In the spin studio, the design incorporates a wood louvered wall system that allows light and connection into the space when open and sound seclusion during spin class.
“The Zone expansion has quickly made the fitness facility an integral component of the student experience at Brock University, providing opportunity for physical, mental and personal growth.” Asad Bilal (Brock University Student Union President).”
The awards, part of a larger program that rewards all aspects of Collegiate Recreation Leadership and Promotion, recognizes excellence in the innovative designs of new, renovated, and/or expanded collegiate recreation and wellness facilities at NIRSA member institutions. Brock University’s new facility joins award-winning designs from NC State University, Central Connecticut State University, California State University, Sacramento and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
For more information, please contact:
Laura Sears, Senior Associate & Marketing Lead
mcCallumSather
905.516.7323