The Active Living Centre at the University of Manitoba is a facility for the promotion and study of active living. Located at the intersection of two major thoroughfares, the facility serves as a gateway into the University through which students, staff and the community first engage with the campus and interface with the benefits of active living. The Active Living Centre is a major addition and renovation to the campus’ existing recreation and sports facility.

The facility expands on existing spaces and functions and provides a distinct contrast to the previously inward-looking fitness centre. The concept was to create an extroverted and communicative building that emphasizes physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being by connecting spaces and individuals to each other, activities, and nature. From the basic premise that an active lifestyle promotes healthy living, interior spaces are dynamically organized with views to promote movement; natural light is everywhere; vistas allow campus visitors to see people exercising and socializing, and members are given views of nature and the campus through a fully glazed façade.

The multipurpose design expands upon existing recreational programs and includes a state-of-the-art 200-metre indoor running track, 35-foot climbing wall, social gathering area, high performance training centre, group workout area, and three multi-purpose studios. Motorized roll-up partitions create semi-private workout areas for small groups add to the flexibility of the space by allowing the building to accommodate a range of uses within the larger structure. Amenities are in a variety of formats and levels of intensity to ensure the design serves a range of users. A unique component of the new facility is space devoted to coalescing service providers from a multitude of disciplines with researchers and graduate students to support individuals in their pursuit of health and fitness.

The building structure is a hybrid of cast-in-place concrete and steel framing. Careful consideration went into the coordination between structural elements, interior finishes and electrical/mechanical systems. In particular, the exterior façade is a complex arrangement of hydronic piping integrated with structural columns and girts. A triple-glazed curtainwall system provides increased energy savings, resistance to condensation and enhanced comfort, while a brise soleil consisting of deep aluminum louvers articulates the south façade and prevents overheating while maintaining views and daylight. A conscious decision was made to employ lasting and durable materials throughout the facility such as concrete, rubber, and steel. These materials enhance the long-term flexibility and durability of the space – a trait that will provide the University with a lasting and functional facility for years to come.

One of the building design’s most important concepts is to provide occupants a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces through the introduction of daylight and views into all areas of the building. This is achieved through interior spaces that are primarily open and the predominantly glazed exterior façade. A Lutron light control system includes occupancy and daylight sensors, and a system of dimmers and motorized window shades controls both electric light and daylight at the touch of a button. The technology saves energy by reducing electrical consumption. These elements, with the technology employed and the materials selected, support the facility’s LEED Silver Certification.

Project completed in collaboration with Batteriid Architects, Iceland