Princeton University, Class of 1986 Fitness and Wellness Center
Princeton, New Jersey
In Collaboration with DIGSAU
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Fitness Conditioning Space, Multi-Use Studios, Student Lounge, Renovation of Existing Pool, Outdoor Sports Court, Outdoor Seating Area and Campus Walkways
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2023 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Philadelphia: Honor Award (Unbuilt)
2023 World Architecture Festival (WAF) Awards: Future Project Shortlist (Education)
This project’s renovation and 50,000-sf addition transform Princeton University’s venerable Dillon Gym into an inviting athletics, recreation, and wellness environment that breaks down barriers to participation. Extensive consultation with the university community significantly influenced the redesign of the facility, which had long been used for all campus recreation programming. A primary priority identified was an improved and more inclusive layout: despite having undergone renovations and upgrades over the years, the existing 1947 building remained comprised of offset stories of primarily inaccessible and disconnected spaces. The renovation’s planning dramatically clarifies circulation and provides access for all.
A main priority of the renovation was to create access for all. The main entrance was relocated, creating a new pedestrian-friendly landscape forecourt and fully accessible entrance into the ‘social heart’ of the building.
Moments of arrival, transition, and circulation are treated with large blackened steel wall panels as a wayfinding device. This durable material in heavily trafficked spaces will age well with time and organically become part of the history of the space.
Directional information is printing directly on the steel wall panels using additive UV-cured inks to avoid the use of an applied signage ‘plaque’. The tactility of this wayfinding information was moreover conceived with accessibility as a priority.
Level directories are carefully detailed as part of the elevator surround assembly, further eliminating the typical ‘applied’ signage approach.
Existing stairs are renovated for cohesive approach of colour, wayfinding, accessibility as with the rest of the updated facility.
The renovation of the previously underused Dillon Court provides a new basketball court and landscaping that creates an outstanding hangout space with a new bold graphic at this important node for movement through campus.
