With NIRSA’s award nomination season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to share the story of one of our 2024 award recipients. Penn State Behrend’s Erie Hall Recreation and Wellness Center, designed by Sasaki with Weber Murphy Fox, was one of seven recipients of a 2024 NIRSA Outstanding Facilities Award, sponsored by Mondo. The impact that Erie Hall has had on the campus’ recreation program is noteworthy, resulting in an estimated sevenfold increase in the number of students utilizing the recreation center’s amenities.
Constructed in 1952, the previous Erie Hall—which was the college’s original gymnasium—was no longer able to meet the needs of its users, neither in its size nor in terms of the diversity of offerings it could support. The new Erie Hall Recreation and Wellness Center was thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of not just the university’s current students, but also future members of the campus community. Designed in conjunction with a district master plan, the Erie Hall Recreation and Wellness Center will be a focal point of future campus development.
The facility was designed to work with and take advantage of the site’s geographical features, including a steep slope. Building zones such as locker rooms and mechanical spaces which did not require the use of natural light were built into the side of the slope while many of the workout areas were oriented to utilize the daylight and provide scenic views. A large canopy provides protection from the direct sun while also drawing attention to the building’s entrance. This combines aesthetic appeal with functionality.
“This project was filled with anticipation for how students and visitors would use the building and site, envisioning a pedestrian focused central quad where the wellness-focus of the interior can flow to the outside as well,” stated Jordan Pulling, Landscape Architect at Sasaki.
Recognizing that students have differing levels of skill and comfort with fitness activities, planners designed the building to include “fitness neighborhoods” with varying levels of privacy. Some areas are easily visible from outside to promote the value of health and fitness while others are visually protected, accommodating those who prefer to work out or try a new activity in a more private space.
Visitors to Erie Hall can utilize a variety of equipment and specialized spaces, including:
- A three-court gymnasium, which is also used to host campus and community events
- Cardio equipment, which is leased to allow it to be switched out as newer equipment becomes available
- Weight training equipment
- A group exercise room
- A spin studio
- A counseling and wellbeing suite containing counseling offices, relaxation rooms, and yoga spaces which incorporates views of the wooded area surrounding the facility
The building also contains coaching rooms, sports medicine, and hydrotherapy areas, allowing it to support intramural, club, and team sports. A large circulation desk provides a visible location for visitors to obtain information, and the adjacent balcony overlooking the gymnasium allows for easy staff supervision.
Since the building’s opening in March 2023, it has experienced visitation of up to 700 users per day (approximately 1/3 of the undergraduate enrollment), demonstrating the building’s appeal to the Penn State Behrend community. NIRSA congratulates Penn State Behrend, Sasaki, and Weber Murphy Fox for their partnership which resulted in a facility that is having a significant impact on the experience of Penn State students!
The Sasaki team shared “We don’t often take a breath to appreciate the number of years, hours and decisions that go into making a project like this a reality. The best projects are often a result of a rare and seamless synergy between client, contractor and architect which is more often than not like threading a needle. Clearly we accomplished that on this one. We’re incredibly proud of not only the finished result, but the process we collectively undertook to get us to such a great building.”
Applications for the 2025 Outstanding Facilities Awards are now open! Eligible facilities will have been constructed, renovated, or expanded between November 1, 2022 and October 31, 2024 and must be affiliated with a NIRSA member institution. Submit your application by Tuesday, November 5!
Natasha Fischer is currently the Member Engagement Manager at NIRSA.
