Bethel University – The Lehman Family Training Center
Mishawaka, IN
The Lehman Family Training Center at Bethel University was designed as a state-of-the-art training facility for track and field athletes, as well as 30 other sports teams on campus. Bethel University’s track & field teams hold several national titles and were looking for a space that would allow them to train together for practices. With high-end training equipment, six sprint track lanes, two pole vaulting areas, one high jump area, one throwing area for shot put and hammer throw, a sand pit for long jump, and a 100-meter sprint track that can be extended, the athletes have everything they need to train together and work towards more national titles.
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2024, Featured in Education SnapshotsMovement and motion are key design elements incorporated into the building.
As you walk up to the training center, a gentle angle of windows and brick mimics the motion of a runner taking off from the starting block.The brick ties the building into the aesthetic of the campus, while the unique design gives the training center its own identity. A wall of tall windows opens up into the pole vaulting and cardo/weight training area, bringing in natural light for the athletes and shining like the beacon of a lighthouse, reminiscent of the campus’s nautical theme. The wall on the other side of the building is closed to keep the glare out. |
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Entering into the training center, you see bright, welcoming graphics in Bethel University’s royal blue, coordinated by DC’s environmental graphics designer and the Bethel graphics team.A comfortable sitting area that is a combination of stairs and bleachers leads up to a mezzanine with a lounge and space for coaches to observe the athletes. |
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The design of the project was intended to be efficient without sacrificing any functionality.Engineering height clearances were made to provide pole vaulting space but to stay under cost. Lighting layouts were strategically chosen to be more efficient. Design was improved because each element was carefully considered in order to have optimal functionality aligned with efficiency. |
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