The Health Education Center combines program areas for athletics, recreation and health professions classroom and lab space. The new campus focal point also creates a home for the Pierce Raider basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball and softball teams.
Size: 39,000 sf
Location: Fort Steilacoom, WA
Design Architect: Opsis Architecture
Executive Architect: MSGS Architects
An existing swimming pool building was reconstructed as a two-story classroom and fitness center, and a new two-court competitive gym with bleacher seating for 2,000 spectators was added. The Center also provides open student recreation amenities for the College.
The second floor includes a large multi-purpose room, athletic department offices and recreation center offices. Support spaces include equipment check-out / storage, student locker rooms, team locker rooms, laundry and general storage.
The Diagnostic Health and Fitness Technician/Instructor program melds classroom instruction with the most technologically advanced laboratory equipment available. In the Health Assessment Laboratory, students gain critical, hands-on experience performing diagnostic tests and assessments, including hydrostatic weighing to test body composition and Max VO2 assessment with a metabolic cart. Knowing how and when to perform these critical tests gives students a competitive edge in various athletic and healthcare careers.
Two linear light monitors over the gym provide full daylighting of the court floor without glare, while a radiant heating system is combined with natural air ventilation to achieve high environmental and energy efficiency.