The Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison was designed to address both current and future recreational and fitness needs for its nearly 50,000 students while serving as a hub for campus wellbeing. The center’s design, inspired by the concept of total body wellness, incorporates site integration, exterior architecture, and interior materials to create a distinctive collegiate recreation experience.

The 270,916-square-foot facility offers a variety of amenities, including a 25-yard pool, eight basketball courts, an ice sheet with spectator seating, a four-story fitness center, multipurpose studios, an indoor jogging track, an adapted fitness area for the Kinesiology program, e-sports facilities, all-sport simulators, and a demonstration kitchen. The use of materials like wood and stone enhances the building’s natural connection, while its curvilinear form harmonizes with the nearby Lake Mendota shoreline. The design also respects the adjacent effigy mounds, preserving their historical integrity.

Bakke’s interior design prioritizes inclusivity and comfort, addressing common issues found in large recreation centers. Its open layout spans four levels, providing different activity and privacy levels to reduce intimidation and promote unity among users.

“Most of the building’s activities surround the central atrium. It becomes one giant, vertical space connecting students visually and physically—they can see and be seen and not suffer FOMO! The programmatic ideas and finishes are clear and well executed. I’d work out here!” 

Margaret Cavenagh, AIA (2024 Design Awards Juror)

The Wellbeing Suite includes unique amenities like the Mind Body Studio, nap pods, massage therapy rooms, and study spaces, supporting holistic wellness. The center also features a 3,500-square-foot Adapted Fitness space with specialized equipment for individuals with disabilities and a gender-inclusive All-Peoples Locker Room.