Project Description
FROM THE AIA
The Auburn University at Montgomery Wellness Center is a facility dedicated to fitness, wellness, intramural activities and human performance research.
As the AUM campus has grown significantly and the number of on-campus residents increased, the administration recognized the need for a comprehensive facility to support a healthy lifestyle for its community.
AUM desired the new facility make a statement to students and the community affirming its commitment to lifelong wellness. Initial schematic design massing and plans grew out of a “bend and stretch” diagram as a metaphor for exercise and wellness, with much openness and transparency to promote facility usage. It includes a gymnasium for intramural basketball, volleyball, badminton and similar sports, as well as an indoor pool with fitness and social areas, multiple exercise areas with state-of-the-art equipment, a 25’ climbing wall, running track, stretching areas and multi-purpose rooms. An outdoor patio area at the south end includes a spa and bocce court.
The facility also includes an academic component with two classrooms, faculty offices and two human performance laboratories.
The project is pursuing LEED Silver certification. The building utilizes daylight harvesting with automated lighting controls that monitor occupancy and daylighting to minimize the need for artificial lighting. The HVAC system includes super-efficient chillers with electro-magnetic bearings, minimizing maintenance and energy usage while providing durability. Roof drains collect rainwater that is directed to a bio-swale on the east side of the building that dissipates much of the water on site and minimizes discharges to the city storm drainage system.