Design was unique in this facility for many reasons. Among these are: the building is round in form, with all corridor and walls within this space curvilinear in shape; the specific requirements dictate extreme durability to withstand players and coaches in pre-game strategy sessions as well as a post-practice and post-game facility in which to dress and undress, socialize and recruit; and the need for timeless design while still triggering 'hot' buttons for the age and tastes of the players who utilize this space.
Custom lockers and wall paneling were designed with curly maple veneers, with each panel incised with a reveal to reflect the design of the netting of the basketball net, centered by a circle, which represents the ball and graphics on the court's floor. The veneers were laid horizontally on the top and bottom of each 'x' and vertically on the sides to create a subtle sense of action. The maple species was selected to reflect the basketball court floor, but developed in a more sophisticated and refined way.
Each locker was designed with a leather-wrapped seat of the same leather as basketball leather. The garment rack is curvilinear which looks like the basketball hoop that holds the net. Etched glass doors were designed with custom bronze hardware. A dome was added to the suspended ceiling which is perpetually lit to illuminate the key words that the coach uses in his pep talks to the players.
The pathway to the 'heart' of this facility is through an "All American" Hall of Fame. At the top of the stairs, a full-sized mural of the final seconds of the National Championships winning game is displayed. Running throughout is our custom-designed, berber-like carpet of subtle maize and blue.
