University of Iowa Nagle-Duda Gymnastics & Spirit Squads Training Center

With their existing practice facility slated for demolition due to inadequacies and to make space for a new parking structure, the University of Iowa Women’s Gymnastics team and Iowa Spirit Squads were in desperate need of a new practice facility.

Substance Architecture was selected to design a new building which would serve both programs and physically demonstrate the University’s commitment to the rise of women’s sports. The existing Field House practice facility lacked air conditioning, locker rooms, and a dedicated space for the Spirit Squads so this new building will truly be a game changer for both programs.

Two large gymnasiums are connected by a corridor of branded shared support spaces including team rooms, an athletic training suite, and multipurpose room. The design team worked closely with the teams and our consultants to ensure the new spaces meet the unique training requirements for equipment and pit locations, flooring, mirror placement, and audio/video needs. The gymnastics space will include competition-level beams, vault runways, uneven bars, and floor exercise space. The spirit squad space features permanently installed Marley flooring, cheer mats and a built-in sound system.

The gymnasium spaces are clad with insulated metal panels while precast panels delineate the main building entrance. In lieu of windows, a band of metal panels with decorative fins are used to create rhythm and define the practice volumes. The pattern is inspired by athlete movement and continues throughout the interior of the building on wall graphics and throughout the locker rooms. Geothermal heating will be used to sustainably and cost-effectively heat the large volumes of the gymnasiums.