University of Alabama at Huntsville
Huntsville, Alabama

This building is a $9 million recreation center at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The 71,000 square foot center designed by Goodrum Knowles, now Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, includes an indoor swimming pool, an indoor running track, a weight training room, an outdoor volleyball court, a studio for aerobics and other activities and a cardiovascular center.

The design features a freespan structure over three ball courts with bow trusses creating a curved roof. The freespan structure enables the space to cover three ball courts without columns interrupting the space.

Future expansion of additional ball courts is considered in this design. Glass is used on the north side of the building to allow natural light for recreation activities during the day and at night expresses the vitality of indoor activities.