Boston University Fitness & Recreation Center & Agganis Arena, Boston, MA

Part of Boston University's John Hancock Student Village, the new Fitness and Recreation Center (FitRec) and Agganis Arena meet the long-range needs of varsity athletics while creating dynamic recreational opportunities for all students. The overall plan integrates these elements into an exceptional new campus environment.

Special Design Features
In FitRec, two large multi-purpose rooms are dividable by acoustic walls; other multi-purpose rooms designed for quieter activities were purposely located on lower levels. A unique flooring in the multi-purpose activity court (a three-court gym) allows for a variety of activities, including inline skating.

For Agganis Arena, the suites and press boxes - a significant funding source - have been located at the concourse level. For performances that require darkness, this concourse can be "blacked out" from Agganis Arena. Additionally, hundreds of parking spaces under the complex are a major asset during the winter season and for this congested area of Boston.

Design/Construction Challenge
To introduce activities and "animation" to Commonwealth Avenue while simultaneously creating a point of connection between the university's west and central campuses, FitRec and Agganis Arena were located on a site to maximize areas visually open and accessible to their location on Commonwealth Avenue. Large expanses of glazing were employed to allow for visibility into interior spaces; for example, south-facing windows in the gymnasiums control solar glare through the use of horizontal frit on the glass and also provide views into the building.