The Illinois Rowing Centre, Illinois Boathouse, and Community Boathouse are architecturally influenced by the Illini Rowing team. Just as individual rowers come together to form a cohesive and powerful team, we aimed to mirror this unity in our architectural approach. Our design is influenced by the movement of the oars in the sport of rowing and the team work that comes into play within this sport. As the team rows, the synchronized motion of the paddles propels the boat forward, while tracing a subtle triangular shape in the air as they rise and lower, entering the water. This dynamic movement has inspired the design of our roof and influenced our overall design strategy, which reflects the principles of collaboration, cooperation, and collective strength. Together, these features create environments that foster community engagement. The facilities incorporate natural materials and large windows to create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience, promoting social and recreational activities within a nautically-themed setting.
