The College of the Holy Cross Hart Center Expansion
Worcester, MA
Doubling down on supporting the D1 Bryant Bulldogs student athlete experience
Bryant University Bulldog Strength & Conditioning Center
The exposed structure of the buildings shed roof translates from interior to exterior, achieved using Aerolon insulative paint which allows the structure to be continuous without thermal break
In the summer of 2007, Bryant University announced the transition to Division I athletics and joined the Northeast Conference, becoming a full member in 2012. With 22 teams and more than 550 student athletes, Bryant’s programs have received attention and recognition at local, regional and national levels. Key to their success is the university’s Strength and Conditioning Program, which strives to improve athletes’ strength, speed, power, mobility and conditioning while reducing injury. Recognizing the importance of strength and conditioning to the success of student-athletes, Bryant hired Sasaki Associates to design the Bulldog Strength and Conditioning Center. This new 10,000-square-foot facility provides varsity athletes with a state-of-the-art weight training environment, designed both to strengthen teams for top-level competition and recruit the best new talent.
The exterior material palette references neighboring newer buildings on campus, including composite metal panels and a panelized stone veneer system of Portuguese limestone. Both serve as a rain screen.
On the north side of the building is a terrace designed for alumni gatherings during home games where a custom tensile shade structure extends from the steel columns of the building
The main space is wrapped on the south and west sides by a sculptural form clad in limestone (a material utilized prominently on campus) that houses the building’s support programs. With the length of the glass volume running from sideline to sideline of the football field, the tallest facade helps to give containment and definition to the otherwise open-ended stadium.
The main volume is a simple shed with exposed structure and mechanical systems above 24 lifting platforms, selectorized weight and cardio machines, medicine ball walls, and a 160′ indoor turf. That main space is wrapped on the south and west sides by a lower, limestone massing that houses support program: a nutrition center, cubby rooms, changing rooms, coach offices, a conference room, restrooms, storage and mechanical spaces. In addition to the student functions, the Bulldog Strength and Conditioning Center also hosts VIP and alumni events during football games, with a tented terrace on the north side looking out onto the field.
Twenty-four lifting platforms stand in pairs, back to back, surrounded by a perimeter of selectorized weight and cardio machines. The heating and cooling is delivered throughout the space via two prominent spiral ducts as well as perimeter baseboard heat built into the curtain wall base. A wood grill decorative ceiling cloud hangs above the lifting platform which serves to add warmth, rhythm, and scale.
The state-of-the-art weight training environment is designed both to strengthen teams for top-level competition and recruit the best new talent. The main volume is a simple shed with exposed structure and mechanical systems floating above 24 power lifting platforms, selectorized weight and cardio machines, medicine ball walls, and a 160’ long indoor turf. The ample daylight allows the Bryant Athletics programs to use the primary space without the assistance of artificial lighting for many hours of the day, while carefully studied overhangs help to limit the amount of direct glare.
To the southwest of the building are support programs: coach offices, changing rooms, restrooms, nutrition counter with ice machine and fridge for protein shakes, and a glass-enclosed conference room used in the recruitment process
The nutrition station for athletes to recharge
To the southwest of the building are support programs: coach offices, changing rooms, restrooms, nutrition counter with ice machine and fridge for protein shakes, and a glass-enclosed conference room used in the recruitment process
The nutrition station for athletes to recharge
More details on how the Bulldog Strength & Conditioning Center has enhanced the student-athlete experience at Bryant can be found on their website.
The Bulldog Center helps Bryant University solidify themselves as a Division 1 sports institution
For more information contact Chris Sgarzi.
