With its sleek facade, environmentally friendly design and state-of-the-art equipment, its no wonder the Student Recreation Center (SRC) at California State University, Northridge was honored with a Design and Vision Award by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) San Diego.

Student working out in CSUN’s Student Recreation Center. Photo by Lee Choo.

The awards honoree reception was held last month at the Energy Innovations Center in San Diego, CA.

“I was thrilled to hear that the SRC won this outstanding award,” said Jimmy Francis, interim associate director of the SRC. “Architectural design firm LPA, Inc.; the project team from CSUN; and the USU did an amazing job balancing function, form and sustainability in the design and construction of the facility.”

The SRC received two citations awards, which recognize distinctive aspects or elements of a design that demonstrate noteworthy architectural skill or vision. One award was in the regular-built category, which is a competition among all of the entries that were submitted, and the other was in the Committee on the Environment San Diego category, which recognizes the beauty of sustainable architecture that integrates with the physical and cultural environment.

Katelyn Sellers, a member services assistant at the SRC, was excited when she found out about the honors.

“I think it’s so great that the SRC won this award,” said Sellers. “It makes CSUN look amazing, especially because the SRC has made efforts to be environmentally friendly.”

Some of the SRC building features include the usage of solar tubes, waterless urinals and an efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. Several sustainable features helped the facility achieve a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold status, which is an international rating method that provides standards for environmentally conscious buildings and facilities.

“I have had a chance to visit numerous campus recreation facilities throughout my career,” said Francis. “The SRC ranks among the best in regards to interesting design features and green building initiatives.”

The SRC opened in spring 2012 as CSUN’s new exercise and leisure activities facility. Its purpose is to promote health and wellness along with being an environmentally friendly building. The SRC contains two activity courts for multiple sports, three different fitness zones equipped with a variety of equipment, an indoor jogging track and a rock climbing wall. An outdoor artificial turf field will open in January 2013.

Awards and Honors, Students