Cannon Design of Boston celebrates opening of recreation center at the University of Maine in Orono; seeking LEED silver cert.

Cannon Design's Boston office celebrates the opening of the new recreation center at the University of Maine. The recreation center, designed in the Boston office of global architecture and engineering firm Cannon Design, opened with much fanfare and excitement. Design and construction team members along with students, faculty and administrators celebrated the completed building at a dedication ceremony hosted by the University of Maine. "This beautiful new student recreation center has transformed our community," said Univ. of ME president Robert Kennedy. "Upon its opening this fall, it has immediately become a cornerstone of campus life, providing a wonderful space for recreation and socialization." The new 88,000 s/f recreation center was one of the largest building project ever undertaken at the University of Maine. The facility features a three-court gymnasium, fitness center, walking/jogging track, multiple activity court, racquetball courts, and support spaces. The contemporary building fits seamlessly into its wooded site and incorporates sustainable building materials and systems, including heat-recovery systems and recyclable materials. The university is seeking LEED Silver certification for the project. Extensive use of glass on the south façade presents views of the activities and provides users with views to the campus. The building's exterior material palette of copper panels, field stone, glass walls, and architectural precast concrete panels harmonizes with the natural setting. Inside, exposed wood structure, wood paneling, and light filled spaces reinforces the natural setting. The recreation center has become a hub of healthy, productive campus activity for students, faculty and staff and community members. Jeff Hunt, director of campus recreation, calls the recreation and fitness center "an overwhelming success" with more than 100,000 visits in less than three months.