The University of North Florida’s new Student Wellness Complex in Jacksonville was recently ranked as one of the top 10 buildings in the 2015 AIA Florida People’s Choice Competition at the AIA Florida Convention.
The competition, which featured architecturally impactful buildings across the state, drew more than 550,000 votes from 120 countries on five continents. The university wellness complex was ranked as the seventh most popular design.
The 76,500-square-foot LEED®-Gold building seamlessly harmonizes with the existing fabric of the campus. With three stories of recreation space, the interior encourages program activities while a variety of social spaces allow users to see and be seen by others. The $16.5 million facility has become an icon on the north edge of campus and displays the integration of wellness programs and student recreation.
The ranking of this building joins a growing list of accolades, including an Award of Merit given by AIA Orlando, an Excellence in Design Award given by AIA Central Illinois, and recognition from American School & University magazine for Outstanding Athletic Facility Design. The building was also featured in Athletic Business magazine’s Architectural Showcase. Dewberry provided planning and programming services along with architectural and interior design services as part of a joint venture with Borrelli + Partners.
The Florida Foundation for Architecture will host open door events at this and all other facilities that were represented in the contest.
