As one of the largest state universities in the country, Texas A&M University was hard pressed to expand its recreational services for its 69,000 enrolled students in College Station, Texas.

To fill the need, the new Southside Rec Center—with 63,500 square feet of indoor recreational space and 15,000 square feet of outdoor space—opened its doors in the late summer.

Earning accolades as the Metal Construction Association’s Design Awards Winner in the Single Skin Panels Category, the sleek structure features a variety of boxed ribbed metal panels, perforated metal scrim and single-skin metal panels.

"The variety of panels creates an energetic pattern across the façade, accurately reflecting the kinetic movement of the live oaks outside and the fitness activity inside," stated Kalman Nagy, AIA, NCARB, design principal, SmithGroup, Dallas. "This varied pattern extends to other materials in the building façade, such as the vertical frit patterns on the glass and the horizontal reveals in the limestone."

The architects designed the form as two high-bay spaces flanking a central spine where recreational activities are showcased, thereby engaging the campus at a pedestrian scale.