Northwestern University, Ryan Fieldhouse and Walter Athletics Center

In response to our client’s goal to recruit and inspire world-class student athletes, we designed one of the most versatile practice, competition, and recreation venues in the nation.

The Ryan Fieldhouse and Walter Athletics Center is a transformational athletic expansion on Northwestern University’s Evanston campus. To optimize the student-athlete experience, we designed a sleek, sophisticated destination–one that takes full advantage of the vista over Lake Michigan and the panorama of the Chicago skyline. Abundant ceiling-to-floor windows give way to jaw-dropping views of the natural and urban landscape, ushering in natural light at nearly every turn. And, despite being located on a constrained site, the monumental facility seamlessly integrates with the surrounding campus, never calling too much attention to itself.

Today, student-athletes at Northwestern University get to train and perform at one the world’s finest athletic institutions—but also, in an iconic work of modern architecture.