As our society becomes more fitness conscious and recreationally oriented, athletic spaces are more and more the reason we come together. The "gym" is no longer just a big sweaty (or chilly) barn with a basketball hoop; athletic and recreation places have evolved into complex and flexible facilities accommodating a range of exercise and and competition activities. This holds true for schools and college campuses, and now even for our local neighborhood centers and churches. Today's facilities must foster social aspects of cheering on a team, taking a workout class, and going toe to toe in the finals. Planning such facilities demands knowledge of usage, materials, and technology; having an architect with an athlete's perspective (Bob Galloway played college level sports) helps too. Our task is to create durable spaces, enjoyable for both participants and spectators as they spend more of their time in athletic and recreational pursuits.
