Prairie School Fieldhouse

Zimmerman, who had previously provided architectural design services for Prairie School on a library project, served as the architect of record for this major expansion and remodeling of existing space at Prairie School’s field house. Zimmerman collaborated closely with Prairie School’s original designer throughout the duration to maintain the design intent for the expansion. The sweeping roofline of the prairie style architecture presented a variety of structural and mechanical challenges.  The entire team worked diligently to reconcile coordination issues presented by the building’s unique geometries.  Sustainable design was incorporated throughout.  The design took into account sun angle and daylight duration as a means to reduce the use of energy required for artificial lighting in the facility.  Such an emphasis was put on daylighting that computer models were generated to simulate daylight penetrating the building at different times of the year.  The expansion creates a front entrance and pre-function lobby which serves both the old and new gymnasiums. The new gymnasium includes courts capable of multiple configurations for basketball and volleyball, an upper deck running track, concessions area, coaches offices, classrooms, an exercise and fitness center, and multi-purpose room with a raised floor for dance instruction.  The project also involved installation of a new energy efficient HVAC system and the existing gymnasium was kept in operation throughout construction.