University of Iowa Nagle-Duda Gymnastics & Spirit Squads Training Center

Substance Architecture

Recognitions: Central States Award for Excellence in Architecture

Project Description

With their existing practice facility slated for demolition due to inadequacies and to make space for a new parking structure, the University of Iowa Women’s Gymnastics team and Iowa Spirit Squads were in desperate need of a new practice facility. The new Nagle-Duda Gymnastics & Spirit Squads Training Center serves both programs, lifting them to new heights, and physically demonstrating the University’s commitment to the rise of women’s sports. The previous Field House practice facility lacked air conditioning, locker rooms, and a dedicated space for the Spirit Squads so this new building is truly a game changer for both programs. Two large gymnasiums are connected by a corridor of branded shared support spaces including team rooms, an athletic training suite, and multipurpose room. The design team worked closely with the teams and our consultants to ensure the new spaces meet the unique training requirements for equipment and pit locations, flooring, mirror placement, and audio/video needs. The gymnastics space includes competition-style beams, vault runways, uneven bars, and floor exercise space. The spirit squad space features permanently installed Marley flooring, cheer mats and dance studio mirrors. The gymnasium spaces are clad with insulated metal panels while precast panels delineate the main building entrances. In lieu of windows, a band of metal panels with decorative fins are used to create rhythm and define the practice volumes. The pattern is inspired by athlete movement and continues throughout the interior of the building on wall graphics and throughout the locker rooms. Geothermal heat and cooling is used to sustainably and cost-effectively climatize the large volumes of the gymnasiums.