Pursuing LEED Certification
From recreation and fitness areas to yoga and meditation spaces, this innovative multi-story facility encompasses all aspects of health and wellness, taking a holistic approach to support and enrich the student experience. It features added amenities such as a recreation pool, jogging track, weight-lifting equipment, basketball and volleyball courts, and more.
The project is pursuing LEED certification and will add 270,000 square feet to campus.
Green Building Highlights
- Provides copious natural light, reducing the amount of electricity consumed.
- Energy efficient systems; chasing 2030 Challenge energy use intensity targets for new construction.
- Stormwater collection tanks supporting campus-wide rainwater reuse network.
- Biophilic design elements, including incorporating natural light, plants, natural materials, and other experiences of the natural world.
- Displacement ventilation in large spaces as an energy saving strategy (using a slow-moving stream of fresh air from the floor to displace waste air).
- Exterior bike racks off O’Hara Street, along with covered bike racks and a bike fix-it station on the 5th level to support pedestrian and bike access via multiple levels of campus.
- Extensive green roof, including clerestories to provide natural daylight to interior spaces.
- Bird friendly glass.
- 199 kW rooftop solar array covering 28,000 square feet.
- Adjacent to future sustainably planted pedestrian thoroughfare to upper campus (Panther Run) and Panther Overlook, acres of urban oasis connecting mid-campus.
- Green wall and other plants in dining area.
- New outdoor seating.
The Recreation & Wellness Center and enabling infrastructure improvements were part of the 2019 Campus Master Plan process, developed in collaboration with the City of Pittsburgh, Oakland community members, students, faculty, and staff.
Architect: Moody Nolan
Contractor: Mascaro Construction
Sustainability Consultant: EvolveEA
Solar Installer: Scalo Solar
